DistantNews
Support us
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Sports

EPL: Van Dijk urges Liverpool to make amends for ‘unacceptable’ season

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has called the previous season "unacceptable" and urged his teammates to improve.
  • The team finished fifth in the Premier League, failing to win any trophies, and experienced a high number of losses.
  • Van Dijk expressed optimism about the current season under new management, emphasizing the need for fitness and squad depth to compete on all fronts.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has issued a strong call to his teammates, labeling last season's performance as "unacceptable" and demanding a significant turnaround.

Last year was unacceptable. This year we have an opportunity to turn that around.

— Virgil van DijkLiverpool captain, reflecting on the team's previous season and looking ahead.

The Reds endured a dismal campaign, finishing fifth in the Premier League and missing out on silverware for the first time in years. Their record included 19 losses across all competitions and 12 defeats in the league alone, a stark contrast to their previous seasons. The team also faltered in cup competitions, exiting the Champions League and FA Cup at the quarter-final stage and the League Cup in the fourth round.

Van Dijk acknowledged the challenge ahead but expressed confidence in the squad's readiness. "What I feel at the moment is everyone is up for the challenge," he stated, emphasizing the need to "show how much we care, how much we want to fight for this badge." He stressed that players must realize the privilege of representing Liverpool and be prepared to compete.

We all know how tough that will be but if you’re not up for the challenge, then you’re not at the right place.

— Virgil van DijkEmphasizing the demanding nature of playing for Liverpool.

Under new management, Liverpool aims to restore its high-intensity style of play. The team has seen departures, including key players like Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konaté, and Andrew Robertson. New signings include Spain winger Victor Muñoz and defender Jeremy Jacquet, with Ronald Araujo arriving on loan.

We have to show how much we care, how much we want to fight for this badge and also realise how privileged we are to be playing for Liverpool.

— Virgil van DijkHighlighting the team's commitment and the honor of representing the club.

Addressing concerns about player fitness and injury-prone seasons, Van Dijk hopes the new coaching staff can implement effective training regimes. He drew parallels with the exciting football displayed by Bournemouth last year under the new manager. "If we keep working, keep believing, keep showing our quality, then we can be very excited," Van Dijk said, highlighting the necessity of a fit squad capable of competing across all competitions.

If we keep working, keep believing, keep showing our quality, then we can be very excited.

— Virgil van DijkExpressing optimism about the team's potential under new management.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog