Van Dijk reveals when he will comment on Manchester City’s breaches verdict

The Premier League leaders could face severe sanctions, including being stripped of titles or even expelled from the top flight. City continue to plead innocence and have already lodged an appeal, which will prolong a legal saga that began years ago. The breaches cover the period between 2009 and 2018.

Players signed by City during that period formed the core of the side that pipped Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool to the title in 2019 and 2022, when the Reds finished second despite collecting 97 and 92 points. Van Dijk was a key figure in both of those Liverpool teams.

“The only thing I can say for now, as the process is still ongoing, is that I genuinely enjoyed our sporting rivalry. But that only applies to what happened on the pitch. What happened off it is a completely different matter. When everything is finally over, I will certainly give my opinion,” the Dutch defender said.

Tensions were high at Anfield for City’s first game since the verdict, with Liverpool fans displaying banners mocking the scandal. Despite the hostile atmosphere, Enzo Maresca’s side won 3-0 and remain top with six wins from six.

“The red card in the second half completely changed the game, especially as we conceded straight after. Going down to ten men and then conceding so quickly made it very difficult for us,” Van Dijk added.