Virgil van Dijk demands Liverpool reaction after ‘unacceptable’ season

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says the club must respond to an “absolutely unacceptable” previous campaign, but has urged patience with new manager Andoni Iraola.

The Reds avoided defeat in Iraola’s first Premier League match in charge after Dominik Szoboszlai converted a 99th-minute penalty to secure a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday.

Liverpool were twice forced to recover from behind, with Newcastle exposing weaknesses in their defence during a series of counter-attacks. The performance also reflected several of the shortcomings that had contributed to last season’s disappointment.

Arne Slot guided Liverpool to their 20th league title in his first campaign in 2024/25, but lost his job in May after the club finished fifth last season. Iraola has now taken responsibility for rebuilding the side and improving results.

Van Dijk acknowledged that the process would take time as the new manager introduced different ideas and worked with new players.

“It’s absolutely normal in any type of profession, work, whatever you do, if you come in new and you have new plans and new ideas, then it takes a bit of time with new players,” said Van Dijk.

He said Liverpool’s priority was to make progress quickly and return to winning ways.

“It’s down to us to do it as soon as we can, as soon as possible, because we want to improve, we want to win, we want to be better. That’s what we are going to try to do.

“We need to show a reaction from last year, that we are much better than last year, because this was very unacceptable.”

Iraola’s task has been made more difficult by limited recruitment during the transfer window.

Despite the departure of club legend Mohamed Salah and a long-term injury suffered by Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool have added only Spanish winger Victor Munoz in attacking positions. Defenders Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo have also joined the club.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, a two-time Champions League winner, has been linked with a move to Anfield. Liverpool have also reportedly seen two bids rejected for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh.

Van Dijk said the squad would benefit from further additions, while making clear that he trusted Liverpool’s hierarchy to decide how to proceed.

“Everyone wants to see quality arrive regardless and I fully trust the club and the board to make the right decisions,” Van Dijk added.

“That’s the only thing I can say, so let’s see what we are going to do.”

Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and Victor Munoz were pictured preparing to come on as substitutes during the Premier League match against Newcastle United on Sunday.