Virgil van Dijk says Liverpool cannot repeat what has happened this season, but he has disputed that the players have been given too much time off between fixtures
12:00, 04 May 2026Updated 12:15, 04 May 2026
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has spoken
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has spoken(Image: Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says this "unacceptable" season cannot be repeated at Anfield next term after an 18th defeat of the campaign, this time at the hands of Manchester United.
But the Dutchman has disputed claims that Liverpool players have been given too much time off between fixtures by head coach Arne Slot and his backroom team. "I'm not here to make excuses," Van Dijk told reporters at Old Trafford.
"It's been a very disappointing season — an unacceptable season for us. It's tough but we shouldn’t feel sorry for ourselves whatsoever. We have to turn it around and make sure these things don’t happen. It’s not Liverpool."
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There has been some discourse online that Liverpool's players have not been training enough. Some spent time abroad at the start of last week, making the most of having a week between fixtures, but Van Dijk says the players were only given one day off.
"I'm not sure it’s a holiday. It's a city trip," the Reds skipper explained. "But I think if you have one day off, and you don’t have many days off, everyone can decide what they want to do with their families. We are not kids. Everyone is an adult.
"This week, we have an early kick-off on Saturday so preparation is on that. Yesterday we were in a hotel. Today we played. So two days away from the family again. It’s not that we have a holiday whatsoever.
"I wish we had a couple more days off at times because I think it works both ways. You see Pep Guardiola giving (Manchester) City three days off the last weeks in a row and they are doing pretty well. It is finding the right balance.
Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates scoring for Liverpool against Manchester United
Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates scoring for Liverpool against Manchester United(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
"I can understand if people think we are not training and, when results are not there, it could be a reason for why we are not getting results. Like anyone else, I want this (the lack of consistent results) to be solved.
"I want us to experience what I have had over my time here. I want us to be successful. I want to be consistent with the team, winning games, fighting, and getting the job done.
"At the moment, we are just disappointed. Consistency is the most difficult thing in any job you do. But it is also the best way to be successful and get results.
"We have three more games now then the World Cup and there will be a reset. We have to realize next season this season cannot be repeated. It is unacceptable."
Injuries, for sure, have played their part. At Old Trafford, Liverpool was missing what on another day could have been its front three — Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike — as well as its first and second choice goalkeepers.
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"Every injury we have is a separate case," Van Dijk said. "I don’t think anyone can predict Alex having a leg break. I don’t think anyone can predict Wata (Endo) having a proper foot injury.
"I don’t think you can predict Gio (Leoni) having an ACL or Giorgi (Mamardashvili) having stitches just below his patella tendon. There are a couple of others as well.
"It's tricky. You know, having two goalkeepers out as well at once... but it’s the situation. I can stand here and say that is the reason we are where we are but I wouldn’t do that. It’s down to us, all of us, to turn it around. After the season, we make sure that this doesn’t happen."
With three games left, Liverpool needs a maximum of four more points to secure a place in the Champions League next term. That, really, should be a given, even with fixtures against Chelsea, Aston Villa and Brentford.
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"We have the quality to hurt any opponent," Van Dijk said. "I will be ready for it. I’m looking forward to it and I am going to make sure we get this done. Next up is Chelsea at home. I care so much about this club. I know that it has been a tough season but I will always be there in good and lesser good days."