Virgil van Dijk has made it clear that Liverpool boss Arne Slot won’t have a honeymoon period as he settles into his new role.
Despite leading Liverpool to an impressive 1-0 victory over AC Milan in their Champions League opener, Slot’s start has been anything but smooth.
This win followed a disappointing home defeat to Nottingham Forest, highlighting the unpredictability of Liverpool’s recent form.
Van Dijk described the loss to Forest as a “reality check” and stressed that maintaining high standards is crucial for success. He warned that if Liverpool’s performance levels drop again, Slot will face significant pressure.
“In football, you need to perform both today and tomorrow,” Van Dijk told reporters. “If you don’t, the pressure from outside will build up. We need to stay calm. It’s up to me, the manager, and the players to deliver on the pitch. Losing at home to Forest was a shock and a wake-up call for us. Milan was a great reaction, but now we need to focus on recovering and preparing for our next match.”
Liverpool will face Bournemouth on Saturday, a key fixture for Slot as he tries to follow in Jurgen Klopp’s footsteps.
Despite a strong performance in Milan, Van Dijk reflected on the Forest game, admitting it may have seemed like Liverpool had “no plan” during that match.
“We showed the reaction we needed in Milan,” Van Dijk said. “It’s important to remember that criticisms from the outside are just noise. Our focus must be on what happens on the pitch. If we play with a clear plan, unlike how we looked at times against Forest, we’ll perform better.”
Van Dijk, who scored against Milan along with central defensive partner Ibrahima Konaté, emphasized the importance of set pieces this season. He also praised Cody Gakpo, who made an impact in Milan with his first start of the season.
“Gakpo has had some excellent performances in the past, and we shouldn’t overlook that,” Van Dijk said. “We know what he’s capable of. With only one game a week, players need to be patient and at their best. Set pieces are crucial for us. Even though it sometimes looks easier than it is, me and Ibou are both tall and should convert more of those chances. It’s a matter of fighting for every ball. Our goals in Milan showed how vital set pieces can be for us.”
Van Dijk’s remarks underscore the urgency for Liverpool to maintain consistency and adapt quickly to Slot’s management style. As the season progresses, the team’s ability to bounce back from setbacks will be crucial in meeting their ambitions.
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