liverpool Captain Virgil van Dijk has admitted he has not yet fully digested a difficult season at Anfield, which has already resulted in Arne Slot losing his job.
football international Enjoy an interview today with the 34-year-old as he prepares for the World Cup after a poor season at Liverpool.
liverpool struggles
The Reds started the season as Premier League champions, and looked to defend their title in the summer due to heavy spending on signings such as Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.
Instead, they endured one of the most disappointing title defenses in Premier League history, finishing fifth and 25 points behind winners Arsenal.
It also saw the team break several negative records throughout the campaign, such as losing 12 games in a season for the first time since 2014/15. Van Dijk was part of it all and admits he still hasn't digested it all.
"There will be moments when I have to keep everything in perspective," he said.
"It will be very difficult. I know this already. I haven't really been able to think about everything that happened last season yet. But right now, a short break was enough to get into a positive mindset for this World Cup.
"I spent six wonderful days with my family, my mother and my in-laws. We talked a lot about everything and did nothing else for a while.' 'He was very nice and very peaceful.'
Liverpool's toughest season
Undoubtedly, this season was difficult for everyone involved at Liverpool. From the tragic death of Diogo Jota before the campaign to the falling out between Mohamed Salah and Arne Slot, coupled with the poor results, it was mentally exhausting to say the least.
As captain, Virgil van Dijk had a lot of responsibility. And he admits he felt that tension throughout the season.
"It was the hardest season of my career," he said.
"It's obvious. Especially on a mental level. It's just been up and down. The consistent feeling and level that you strive for, we almost never got."
"As a group, as a club, as players, as individuals. As a team, we had very good matches, and then suddenly things went bad again. Then you basically can't move forward.
"This year, we've had a lot come through at Liverpool. From the moment I got the phone call with the terrible news about Diogo, to the last match where we said goodbye to Mo Salah and Andy Robertson. I was sitting on the grass looking at two guys I had played with for eight years.
"I've never experienced anything like this in all my years at Liverpool. It was just the way it happened."
erne slot conversation
Players aren't the only ones who are leaving, with Liverpool having decided to part ways with Arne Slott last week.
Andoni Ierola has already been confirmed as his replacement. Van Dijk admits he has spoken to his former boss, but would not share what was said.
He finally said, “I will not say anything about it.”
"At the moment. I spoke to Arne personally, that's the most important thing. What we discussed is between us. At the moment, my focus is completely on the World Cup."
