Virgil van Dijk explains leaving early during international break to return to Liverpool

Liverpool is set to face the Blues at Anfield on October 20. Manager Arne Slot is aiming to continue his strong start in the Premier League.  Virgil van Dijk is returning to Merseyside sooner than anticipated after being sent off in the Netherlands’ 1-1 draw against Hungary. Speaking to reporters, Virgil van Dijk explained his decision to return early.

Virgil van Dijk said, “I wanted to stay with the team to give the lads my support, but now I have decided it is better to go home. A lot has been said about the massive pile of matches we are playing in this period and all the travelling. This is a good moment to get some rest. But the difference between this international break and the last one is this time we play a late kick-off [on] Sunday and last time on Saturday. We are Liverpool, so players are used to being on top of the league. Second of all, Virgil, Ali [Alisson Becker], Trent, Robbo [Andy Robertson], Mo. They won the league here, they won the Champions League here.”