Van Dijk concedes Liverpool have ‘challenging times’ ahead

Joe Williams
Virgil van Dijk Liverpool

Virgil van Dijk admits that Liverpool have “challenging times” ahead this season after winning the Premier League title last season.

Jurgen Klopp’s side won their first three matches of the new campaign against Leeds United, Chelsea and Arsenal, before being humiliated 7-2 by Aston Villa in a huge upset on Sunday.

Liverpool won the league at a canter last term, finishing 18 points ahead of nearest rivals Manchester City and Van Dijk thinks everyone will want to see them “fall” this season.


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“I think trying to stay at the top is the hardest thing to do,” Van Dijk told Eddie Hearn’s ‘No Passion No Point‘ podcast. “Everyone wants to see you fall when you reach the top.

“That is what life is about, especially these days. For me, I want to give everything I have got until I retire and then have no regrets after.

“I don’t want any regrets afterwards, I think that would be the worst feeling you can have. It is going to be challenging times coming up.

“We are champions – something that took a while.

“We should enjoy the moment and go for it.”

On missing the backing of the Kop, Van Dijk added: “The fans can play a massive part in difficult times during games and also at good times in games.

“When you concede the fans will lift you and when you score they make the opponent go further away from you.

“It’s the same case for everyone, but for us in particular everyone knows how difficult it is to play at Anfield with the fans behind us. Hopefully, things can change as soon as possible because we need fans.

“It lifts our performances at home but when you play away and the home fans turn against you – I like that.

“It gives you that motivation sometimes to do better. It’s something I definitely enjoy and that I miss.”