Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk celebrates with Caoimhin Kelleher after their victory against Manchester City. — Reuters
Virgil van Dijk attributes much of Liverpool's remarkable success this season to the players' readiness to 'go to war' for one another. Under the guidance of Arne Slot, the team has secured 18 wins out of 20 matches across all competitions. The captain emphasizes that the collective mentality within the squad is a pivotal element, especially following the departure of Jurgen Klopp. Liverpool's commanding 2-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday extended their lead in the Premier League to 11 points ahead of the reigning champions, and they now lead Arsenal and Chelsea by nine points.
'I believe it was always going to be challenging to fill the void left by Jurgen for everything he contributed to us, both as players and for the club, but Arne has stepped in and implemented his own approach,' Van Dijk stated. 'Together with the coaching staff, he has initiated a process to ensure we maintain and enhance our quality to secure victories. He emphasizes the importance of continuous effort, staying unsatisfied, focusing on upcoming challenges, and striving for improvement.'
The Dutch international also highlighted the immediate impact of former Feyenoord manager Slot. 'He has hit the ground running and performed exceptionally well so far. In my view, he has taken charge of a highly capable squad, not just in terms of football skills but also as individuals—players who are willing to fight for each other,' the defender noted. 'He has conducted extensive tactical training, but ultimately, it boils down to how much we, as players, desire success.'
Liverpool's last league title win was in 2020, their first since 1990. Van Dijk urged his team to remain cautious. 'Our goal is to be in a strong position by the end of the season. To achieve this, we must concentrate on our upcoming challenges and not get ahead of ourselves by contemplating future scenarios in January or February,' he said. 'Our immediate focus is on Newcastle on Wednesday, and we must do everything within our means to prepare for another significant match.'
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