Van Dijk challenges Liverpool to make amends after ‘unacceptable’ season

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has demanded a strong response from his team-mates after describing last season’s performances as “unacceptable”.

The Reds finished fifth in the Premier League and failed to win a trophy in a disappointing campaign which ended with Arne Slot being sacked.

Liverpool had won the English title only 12 months earlier, but were beaten 19 times in 56 matches across all competitions last season. They lost 12 of their 38 league games – just one fewer defeat than they had suffered in the previous three seasons combined.

They also failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals of either the Champions League or FA Cup, while their League Cup run ended in the fourth round.

The campaign was further damaged by the breakdown in Slot’s relationship with Mohamed Salah. The Egypt forward said he had been made a scapegoat for Liverpool’s difficulties.

Van Dijk, however, believes Liverpool now have the chance to put those problems behind them and produce a far stronger season.

“Last year was unacceptable. This year we have an opportunity to turn that around,” Van Dijk said.

“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.

“What I feel at the moment is everyone is up for the challenge. Let’s see how we go about it.

“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.”

Former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has been appointed in an attempt to restore the high-intensity style which disappeared during Slot’s second campaign in charge.

Liverpool have seen several important players leave since the end of last season. Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Andrew Robertson have departed Anfield, while Curtis Jones is expected to move to Inter Milan.

The club have brought in Spain winger Victor Munoz and Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet on permanent deals. Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo has also joined on loan.

Iraola said during pre-season that his players were fit enough to run for only 30 minutes of a match. Van Dijk acknowledged that Liverpool must improve their fitness and find a solution to the injuries which affected them so heavily last season.

The Netherlands defender is hopeful Iraola can give Liverpool greater energy and attacking purpose than they showed under Slot.

“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 then we can be very excited,” Van Dijk said.

The Liverpool captain stressed that the squad would need to remain healthy if it was to compete for success across every competition.

“We need everyone to be fit. We need a squad which is able to compete on all four fronts and that’s the only way to try to be successful.

“Let’s see what the last couple of weeks of the transfer window will bring and then let’s go for it.”