Virgil van Dijk has revealed Liverpool's ambitions for the new season, with the Reds captain targeting Premier League and Champions League success under Andoni Iraola
Liverpool legends Steven Gerrard and Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk outlined his priorities ahead of the new season (Image: Liverpool FC)
Virgil van Dijk has revealed Liverpool's main priority ahead of the new season, with the Reds captain setting his sights on Premier League and Champions League success.
Liverpool's pre-season is drawing to a close, with the first taste of competitive action under new head coach Andoni Iraola now just around the corner. It has been a mixed training camp for the Reds, with Iraola having to navigate several challenges during his opening weeks in charge.
Liverpool have also had a staggered return to training, with the World Cup disrupting preparations and key players reporting back at different stages. The Reds will now look to build momentum as they prepare for the start of the new campaign.
Speaking in LFCTV’s new Captains film alongside Steven Gerrard and Graeme Souness, Van Dijk said Liverpool's focus remains firmly on challenging for major honors. "One of the very first meetings I had with Jurgen [Klopp] the message was basically that we are building to winning the league".
Van Dijk was also asked by Gerrard whether the Premier League remains Liverpool's main priority or whether the club's ambitions now extend equally to the Champions League. The Reds captain made it clear that, having experienced success in both competitions he wants to win both in the same season.
The Dutchman added: "Both. Like obviously like when you experience either one but especially both listen you want to be up there."
Liverpool endured a difficult 2025/26 campaign despite winning the Premier League just one season earlier. A run of disappointing results saw the Reds finish fifth and only just secure Champions League qualification, with the underwhelming season ultimately costing Arne Slot his job.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool lifts the trophy after the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield on May 25, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images/Getty Images For The Premier League)
Virgil van Dijk wants more success with Liverpool(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images/Getty Images For The Premier League)
Liverpool turned to Iraola, who impressed with his style of play and his ability to adapt when faced with significant challenges. His work at Bournemouth was particularly notable, as he guided the club into Europe despite losing much of his defense during the summer before Antoine Semenyo's departure in January.
Like Slot when he took over in 2024, Iraola has inherited a squad packed with individual talent. However, the new Liverpool boss arguably has more work to do in turning that talent into a cohesive team.
Mohamed Salah's departure has left a significant void, with no direct replacement yet arriving, placing greater pressure on Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak to deliver after underwhelming debut seasons. Wirtz has been used just behind Isak during pre-season, with the early signs encouraging.
Liverpool's central midfield remains a strength, while Dominik Szoboszlai's new five-year contract has removed one potential distraction. However, questions remain over the Reds' attacking threat from wide areas, defensive depth and leadership within the squad. Iraola will now be tasked with finding solutions to those issues as he prepares for his first competitive campaign which begins on Sunday against Newcastle.