Georginio Wijnaldum has been speaking to the media ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Ajax, and he was in no mood to sugarcoat his words.
The Netherlands international shared his thoughts on ‘stupid’ Jordan Pickford, and also the manner in which Everton went about the Merseyside derby.
As quoted by Goal, the ex-Newcastle man said: ‘The way Pickford went in on the challenge, in my opinion, was completely stupid.
‘Accidents can always happen in football. You can be unlucky with a tackle and injure someone but the way they were doing it was completely unacceptable.’
It is clear that Wijnaldum – who Spotrac say earns £75,000-a-week at Anfield – is livid with Carlo Ancelotti’s side, and he has a right to be.
Pickford’s challenge was reckless and was also made long after the ball had gone, while Richarlison’s potential leg-breaker on Thiago was just as mistimed.
Injuries can happen in football, but it must be frustrating as a player to see two of your world-class teammates spend time out due to the carelessness of the opposition.
Of course, we’re sure that Pickford – who cost Everton £30 million – didn’t intend to harm Virgil van Dijk, but the scissor-type fashion of his challenge wasn’t very responsible.
The ex-Sunderland glovesman won’t be facing retrospective action over his challenge according to the BBC, as the FA determined that the incident was seen at the time by officials, including VAR.
Wijnaldum’s comments won’t do much to bring Van Dijk back sooner, but they’ll be sure to make Pickford know what the Liverpool players think of his actions.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
