Virgil van Dijk addresses Liverpool future ahead of 'big transition' after Jurgen Klopp departure
Published 06/05/2024 at 13:26 GMT+1
Virgil van Dijk has suggested he is keen to be part of the "big transition" at Liverpool after the departure of manager Jurgen Klopp. Van Dijk’s contract expires at the end of the 2024-25 season, which has led to speculation, but the Liverpool captain has said he is "very happy" at the club. Klopp is expected to be replaced by Feyenoord boss Arne Slot.
'If Slot is the solution, then I'm more than happy' - Klopp on Liverpool
Video credit: SNTV
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has addressed his situation at the club amid speculation over his future.
Van Dijk’s deal with Liverpool runs out at the end of the 2024-25 season, but he has quelled rumours that he could follow in the footsteps of manager Jurgen Klopp, who will leave at the end of this season.
"There is nothing for me to discuss because there is no news," the 32-year-old said. "I think the club is very much busy with who is going to be the new manager and that is the main focus.
"I am very happy here, I love the club and you can see that as well. It’s a big part of my life already.
"The focus is now on the last two games and then the club will focus on who the new manager is. There will be a big transition and I am part of that.
"There will be a lot of changes happening and, I wouldn't say scary is the right word, but it is quite interesting and exciting what will happen now."
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‘He made my dreams come true’ – Van Dijk out to repay Klopp with fairytale title send-off
Video credit: TNT Sports
Feyenoord boss Arne Slot has been lined up to replace Klopp, with the German winning six major titles during his time at Liverpool.
All of these were achieved following the signing of Van Dijk in January 2018, with the Dutch defender becoming an integral part of Klopp's side.
"I am really proud I played for him, fought for the badge and him and count the success we had over the years as well," Van Dijk said.
"It will be emotional on the last day but it is a part of life sometimes. Many things are happening behind the scenes but we focus on matchdays and that is our duty, our job and we want to perform for the last six points."
Klopp’s farewell season has not quite gone to plan, with Liverpool winning the League Cup but exiting the FA Cup and Europa League at the quarter-final stage.
They also third in the Premier League table, trailing league leaders Arsenal by five points with two matches to play.
- Jurgen Klopp buries row with 'outstanding' Mohamed Salah after goal in Tottenham win, hails 'special' Anfield
- Arne Slot: Liverpool agree compensation with Feyenoord for Dutchman to replace Jurgen Klopp – reports
But Van Dijk insisted Liverpool could still be proud of their achievements this season.
"Listen, if you said at the start of the season that this is how it would have gone then I think we would have taken that," he said.
"We are winners and we were close. We weren’t good enough in the decisive moments but that is life. We have to stick together and we will.
"A few of us have been in title races and on the losing sides at times and it hurts. But we have to take this experience with us and you only improve if you learn and that is the aim and we can take that into next season.
"We want to give the manager a good farewell and do it for ourselves as well."
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