In an interview with former player Gary Neville on Sky Sports on 7/2, Van Dijk did not shy away from the reality of Liverpool's challenging season. Before the 25th round, they trailed Manchester City by 8 points and Arsenal by 14 points, with little hope of defending their title.

According to the Dutch center-back, Liverpool's decline cannot be attributed to a single cause. "You cannot blame just one factor", he stated. "It is a transition, the intensity of matches, decision-making, and sometimes luck—an indispensable part of football. There are matches where everything goes our way, and others where it does not".

Virgil van Dijk during his interview with Gary Neville on Sky Sports.

Van Dijk acknowledged that Liverpool often found themselves at a disadvantage early in the season, leading to inconsistency throughout the campaign. "This is a process we must overcome, both individually and collectively", he emphasized.

The Dutch captain noted that the demanding match schedule poses a significant challenge for the entire squad. He also stressed that a team requires more than just 11 players on the field, needing 14–15 individuals ready to shoulder responsibility. "Playing a match every three to four days, Champions League, constant travel, and high physical demands are challenging, but the psychological aspect is equally important", the 34-year-old center-back analyzed. "Everyone deals with their own issues differently. I try to help everyone, because I want the best for the club and for the players".

Inconsistency, according to Van Dijk, is difficult for a team accustomed to winning, like Liverpool, to accept. Personally, frequently being on the losing side causes him genuine pain. "This rarely happened for most of my career at Liverpool. We were very consistent, but now we have matches where we play well and then suddenly decline. The whole team must recognize and improve this together", he said.

Virgil van Dijk celebrates with Ibrahima Konate and Hugo Ekitike in Liverpool's one-zero victory over Brighton at Anfield, Liverpool, United Kingdom on 13/12/2025. Photo: Liverpoolecho

Liverpool's current position is surprising, especially after winning the Premier League last season and spending over 600 million USD to sign many stars in the summer of 2025. One suggested reason is the slower-than-expected integration of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and Alexander Isak.

Van Dijk acknowledged this reality, but considered it only a partial explanation, highlighting the pressure of playing as champions. "Even those who have been here for a long time face the pressure of being Premier League champions", the Dutch center-back stated. "The accompanying pressure is immense. Holding onto the title has never been easy. We did not achieve it last time, and it is the same this season".

When asked if Liverpool needs a Champions League spot next season, Van Dijk responded unequivocally: "100%. I want to play Champions League, and every other player does too". The Dutch center-back admitted this is a significant factor as he enters the final year of his contract.

Van Dijk also believes Liverpool can still achieve success this season. Despite all the difficulties, injuries, and early-season problems, his team remains competitive in the Champions League and FA Cup. "The important thing is to regain consistency, continue to work hard, and enjoy representing the club", he affirmed.

Van Dijk joined Liverpool in 2018 for nearly 100 million USD—a record for a defender at the time—and immediately became an indispensable pillar. The Dutch center-back has played 353 matches across all competitions, scoring 31 goals and providing 16 assists. He has been instrumental in helping Liverpool secure 9 titles, including two Premier League titles and one Champions League title.

Virgil van Dijk (left) and Wayne Rooney comment after Liverpool's one-zero victory over Real at Anfield, Liverpool, United Kingdom, in the Champions League on the evening of 4/11/2025.

Recalling a debate with Wayne Rooney, Van Dijk suggested that former players working as commentators need to be more aware of their responsibilities. He believes criticism is normal and necessary in football, but it sometimes devolves into attention-grabbing topics, spoken to provoke reactions without considering the psychological impact, especially on young players.

According to the Liverpool captain, social media exacerbates the issue. "When playing well, young players read praise. But when playing poorly, they can be attacked everywhere, and that truly affects them. I have witnessed this in the past and still do", he explained. "With sensational headlines, things get worse. I think former players, who have experienced all the pressure, have a responsibility to protect the next generation".

Approaching his 35th birthday with only 18 months left on his contract, Van Dijk admitted he has considered his future but has no concrete plans. He ruled out becoming a commentator or coach soon, instead wanting to inspire the next generation. Van Dijk mentioned he regularly works with the Liverpool academy and organizes U13 youth tournaments. "I know what those things mean to young players, and I really enjoy it. But there is still plenty of time to plan further", he concluded the interview.

Hong Duy (according to Sky Sports)