Virgil van Dijk is already looking forward to the next season. The vice-captain of Liverpool had a mediocre season with Liverpool, but sees leads for next season. He also praises Cody Gakpo.
“Everyone knows that we are going through a transition”
“The preparation will be very tough next summer, but I am already looking forward to it,” said Van Dijk after the draw against Aston Villa. In fact, he has been looking forward to it for weeks, the veteran confirmed. “I’ve had that feeling since I turned the page a few months ago. We were out of shape, but we got back together. Of course there is still a lot to work on, but we have those months for that,” headed.
Manager Jürgen Klopp already warned his players that it was going to be tough in the preparation. The German wants to work hard: “I already heard those sounds. It will be very intense, with a lot of physical work. But we will also work tactically, so that we are prepared for a long season.”
James Milner, Naby Keita, Roberto Firmino and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, among others, will leave the club. “Players leave and hopefully new guys will arrive who are ready to be there right away,” said Van Dijk. “Everyone knows that we are going through a transition. If Liverpool knocks on a player’s door now, they will be interested. Getting a Champions League ticket will be difficult. But the ambitions remain.”
Praising Van Dijk: “Gakpo fulfills his role exceptionally well”
One of the players who has to pull the cart is Gakpo. The forward came over from PSV last winter and made an impression in his first months. “He is given the task of making Firmino forget. Bobby was largely responsible for goals and assists in recent years. Together with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, he made headlines. He had a very difficult role to play,” said Van Dijk.
“I think Cody now fills that role exceptionally well,” added Van Dijk. “He is still learning, adapting and already doing so well. It’s a positive signal, but he has to go on now. He has to keep both feet on the ground and keep listening.”
