Virgil van Dijk has vowed to ‘put things right’ as Liverpool look to bounce back from a disappointing campaign last year..
Virgil van Dijk said: “The feeling is that we have to make it right. Obviously last year was very disappointing. You know, it hurts. It hurts over the summer. Obviously you reflect on the year that you’ve had as a team and it hurts and especially because you’re not used to it. You’ve been you’ve been playing at such a high, consistent level for so many years. And then all of a sudden last year was, apart from the run in, was very disappointing. But that’s life as well and hopefully it won’t happen this year. Yeah, of course, that should be motivation. Like I said, the run-in was quite good, not only the feeling of being unbeaten, but the way we played, the way we developed, it was bitter-sweet. We ended the season disappointedly with, you know, the outcome, but in some ways it was quite an exciting feeling going into pre-season and hopefully creating a basis that creates good success for the season. Obviously it’s never guaranteed, but that was the feeling and it’s still the feeling. I’m looking forward to this year. I’m looking forward to, to the intensity, to the games and hopefully we can win a lot of games. We want to be back up as high as possible where we have been, apart from last year. Obviously the year before we’ve been, you know, challenging for all trophies. That’s what we want to do until the last day of any competitive game, but we know it’s going to be tough. We know it is a tough thing to do and I think for us it’s trying to show that improvement and the consistency that we have been looking for and doing it all together and that’s what I’m looking forward to. Our focus is to win as many games as possible and then see what happens at the end of the year. It’s going to be a very long season again with so many games and obviously Europa League this year so it’s going to be interesting and cup competitions. Hopefully everyone can stay fit as long as possible and be successful and I think it starts with the hard work and also enjoy it. And that’s why I’m definitely looking forward to it.”
Meanwhile, Van Dijk also revealed he plans to speak more to Henderson after succeeding the England international as Liverpool captain when sharing what impact the midfielder’s departure has had on the Reds squad.
Virgil van Dijk said: “We are going to miss those guys. We have shared so many good things with each other, including successes that we’ve had, but that’s life. Others are here now and will have to be important for the club. All of us as players, we go through this every now and then and losing your captain and vice captain is a big thing. But it is what it is. I think everyone is looking forward to the season. Everyone wants to make it right. Last year was very disappointing and we want to show that we are still capable of creating success and being up there. It was definitely a thrill (to be appointed captain). That doesn’t change. You get the feeling whenever the transfer might happen – in this case with Jordan – that I could definitely be up there but like I said, I couldn’t dream of this when I was young, to be the captain of Holland and the captain of Liverpool Football Club. I have spoken to Jordan about lots of other stuff and I’ll definitely speak to him about the rest of the stuff as well that comes with being captain of Liverpool Football Club. I am definitely not too big to ask questions, whenever help is needed, but I also know that I’m also doing it in my way. That’s the most important thing. I am who I am and I feel I can definitely contribute to the success as captain of the football club. Being where I am today, that is the beauty of life. Things are happening and it’s special. I won’t take it for granted. The hard work will start now and I’m looking forward to it. It brings a lot more responsibilities off the pitch. Obviously I saw many things happen when Hendo was the captain and he did it fantastically. Obviously I am trying to do it my way as well. When I feel like speaking, I’ll definitely speak up. That’s how it is. I’m comfortable speaking in front of the boys and I will definitely do so whenever it’s needed. But it also counts for other players, for the guys who were around me and, you know, the leadership group that we spoke about as well. It’s also an important task for them. But yeah, I’m the captain and I feel like I have that responsibility and I will definitely do that. I think the message for the season is just to give everything everything we have and show a reaction from last year and enjoy the ride.”
