2026-05-05 10:15:42
Virgil van Dijk believes that changes need to be made at Liverpool this summer following an “unacceptable” season.
The Reds suffered their 18th defeat in all competitions this season with a 3-2 loss against bitter rivals Manchester United at the weekend and the captain says work needs to be done to ensure such a poor campaign is not repeated next year.
Van Dijk said: “You have to take responsibility. It’s just life. I think it’s unacceptable that we have lost too many times as defending champions of the Premier League and we shouldn’t accept it whatsoever. There will be a lot of work that has to be done going into next season. When I am back from the World Cup, I will go into it. But there is a lot of work to be done behind the scenes.”
The Dutch defender also rubbished the notion that manager Arne Slot has given the squad too much time off this term, with images of Reds players relaxing in numerous locations last week prompting anger amongst supporters.
Asked about Liverpool’s preparation for the United clash, Van Dijk said: “A few days off? You mean one day off?
“I’m not sure it’s a holiday. It’s a city trip. But I think if you have one day off, and you don’t have many days off, they can decide what they want to do with their families. We are not kids. Everyone is an adult.
“I wish we had a couple more days off at times because I think it works both ways. You see Pep Guardiola giving (Manchester) City three days off the last weeks in a row and they are doing pretty well. It is finding the right balance. I can understand if people think we are not training and, when results are not there, it could be a reason for why we are not getting results.”
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