Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk described their 2025-26 season as “unacceptable”, but is excited for the opportunity to put things right this term.
Having won the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s first season in charge in 2024-25, the Reds endured a hugely disappointing second and ultimately final campaign under the Dutchman despite spending over £400m on reinforcing the squad.
Liverpool squeaked into the Champions League via a fifth-placed finish and did not progress beyond the quarter-finals of any cup competition.
Slot paid the price as he and club parted ways, with Andoni Iraola replacing him after guiding Bournemouth to European football for the first time in their history.
Van Dijk is entering his 10th season as a Liverpool player, and is excited about the challenge of returning to the standards they have set previously in Slot’s first season and in the decorated tenure of Jurgen Klopp.
“For me personally, being a Liverpool player, last year was unacceptable,” Van Dijk said.
“But that is last year. This year we have an opportunity to turn that around, together with our fans.
“And we all know how tough that will be but if you don’t get up for the challenge, then you’re not at the right place.
“What I feel at the moment is 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 realise how privileged we are to be playing for Liverpool.
“If you look at Bournemouth last year, I think they were pretty exciting.
“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 are 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 to the boys as well so let’s see.”
Compared to last year, Liverpool have been quiet in the transfer market, signing centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, who will likely partner Van Dijk in their season opener at Newcastle United on Sunday, and winger Victor Munoz. Defender Ronald Araujo also arrived on loan from Barcelona.
“We need a squad that is able to compete on all four fronts and that’s the only way to try to be successful,” Van Dijk added.
“Let’s see what the last couple of weeks of the transfer window will bring and then let’s go for it.”
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