Virgil van Dijk is looking forward to seeing what Liverpool looks like under Andoni Iraola, with the Reds skipper labeling last year's performances as "unacceptable"
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has offered his thoughts
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has offered his thoughts(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside via Getty Images)
In any season that sees a manager get fired at its conclusion, there is a clear need to improve quickly — and Virgil van Dijk is under no illusions regarding the task ahead.
Andoni Iraola has replaced Arne Slot, and as Liverpool heads toward the new campaign, which kicks off for the Reds at Newcastle this weekend, there is still work to be done. Talks regarding Bradley Barcola are ongoing, while the new signings that have already come in are still settling.
Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo looked solid last weekend against Como, and Victor Munoz has been promising. In the cases of the two new center-backs, especially, though, there is a need to carry that 45-minute glimpse into the new season proper, with a lack of other options.
Liverpool simply cannot be as fragile at the back as it was at times last season, both from set-pieces and in general play, and Iraola will be tasked with making his side much more difficult to play against.
"We had a pretty big center-back next to me last season," Van Dijk says. "So it’s not always about the height at set-pieces — even so far, we have been conceding set-pieces, unfortunately, whether it is a throw-in or a penalty.
"We need everyone to be fit. We need a squad that is able to compete on all four fronts, and that’s the only way to try to be successful, so let’s see what the last couple of weeks of the transfer window will bring, and then let’s go for it."
Jeremy Jacquet celebrates scoring his goal with Virgil van Dijk that sealed Liverpool's 2-0 win over Como
Jeremy Jacquet celebrates scoring his goal with Virgil van Dijk that sealed Liverpool's 2-0 win over Como(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League last term and appeared to lose its identity. This time around, the Reds are hoping to be much more intense and energetic, as well as pick up many more points.
"For me personally, being a Liverpool player, last year was unacceptable, but that is last year," Van Dijk continues. "This year, we have an opportunity to turn that around, together with our fans. We all know how tough that will be, but if you aren't up for the challenge, then you're not at the right place.
"What I feel at the moment is that everyone is up for the challenge. Let's see how we go about it. But I'm really looking forward to this season and I don't think we have a point to prove to anyone. We have to show how much we care, how much we want to fight for this badge, and also realize how privileged we are to be playing for Liverpool."
Iraola, it is hoped, will help that reset, along with a couple of new faces in the squad. And Van Dijk has been impressed with what he has seen from the Spaniard so far.
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"If you look at Bournemouth last year, I think they were pretty exciting," the Liverpool skipper, who is now inside the final year of his contract, says.
"I would say if we keep working, keep believing, keep showing our quality, staying fit, and hopefully win a lot of games, then we can be very excited. That's the aim, that’s what we fight for, but we all know how tough it is. We all know how tough it is to be playing Premier League football, to be playing on all four fronts, but you have to embrace it.
"You have to enjoy the ride. We all so blessed here and we have to keep going and enjoy it and that's what I will do, and I encourage everyone to do that as well. That's what I keep saying the boys as well, so let's see."