Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has pushed back against online criticism of the team's training schedule following Sunday's 3-2 Premier League defeat at Manchester United.
Arne Slot's side suffered their 18th loss across all competitions this season. Despite spending roughly £446 million on squad improvements, the defending champions sit fourth with 58 points and three games remaining.
Van Dijk dismissed social media claims that players were on holiday last week, calling it a "city trip" and noting that one day off is rare. He cited Pep Guardiola giving Manchester City three days off in recent weeks as evidence that rest can be beneficial.
Liverpool will end the season without trophies after exiting the FA Cup and losing heavily to Paris St Germain in the Champions League quarterfinals. They host ninth-placed Chelsea next.
"I want this to be solved. I want us to be successful," Van Dijk said. "We have to realize that next season, this season cannot be repeated. It is unacceptable."