Virgil van Dijk called a question posed to Arne Slot about Xabi Alonso being linked with the Liverpool head coach role “very disrespectful”.

The Reds relieved more pressure off their boss after a 3-0 win over Marseille in the Champions League extended their unbeaten run to 13 matches in all competitions (W7 D6), the longest ongoing streak of any team from Europe’s top five leagues.

Since the start of last season, no team has won more away games in the league phase of the competition than Liverpool (P8 W6 L2), level with Arsenal (P8 W6 D1 L1).

Slot came under fire when Liverpool’s form between September and November saw them drop out of the Premier League title race, while comments from Mohamed Salah after their 3-3 draw with Leeds United in December worsened the situation.

Meanwhile, former Liverpool midfielder Alonso parted ways with Real Madrid earlier this month.

Ahead of Liverpool's win over Marseille, Slot was asked about the reports linking Alonso to the Liverpool job, which Van Dijk was not pleased with.

“I think that was very disrespectful,” he told reporters after the match.

“Criticism is part of the game, we all know that, but I think there’s also a reason why he’s not here, the journalist.

“I think it’s disrespectful, I think everyone agrees with that.

“Criticism is part and parcel for us, it’s what we live with and that’s absolutely justified if you look at what we do in the season – unfortunately for us, but it is, especially based on last season.”

Liverpool will be hoping to continue their unbeaten run when they travel to Bournemouth on Saturday, before their final league phase match of the Champions League against Qarabag next week.