The Reds won’t participate in the Champions League next season as a number of players are getting ready to leave.
Virgil van Dijk stated that Liverpool’s recent upswing has left him excited for what they can accomplish next season and feels like they have turned the corner after a trying period.
Van Dijk believes young players will still be drawn to Liverpool despite the fact that they are almost certain to miss out on Champions League football with a draw against Aston Villa, despite the fact that Liverpool have won seven of their last eight games.
Each of Van Dijk’s seasons with the club, the Reds have finished in the top four, and the Dutch defender thinks that their performance in April and May puts them in a strong position for a strong campaign next year, especially with new additions.
“I’m very eager for the upcoming season,” he exclaimed. “I believe that emotion surfaced after we turned the page a few months ago. There is undoubtedly still much to be done, but the good news in this situation is that we have the entire pre-season to work on it, and that is unquestionably the plan.
“According to the sounds I’m hearing, the pre-season will be very intense, requiring not only a lot of physical work but also a lot of tactical preparation for a challenging season. That’s incredibly exciting. Players are leaving, but hopefully new players will arrive who are prepared for the beginning of the preseason.
“Everyone is aware that we have been in a transitional period. If Liverpool were to knock on my door while I was a player on the rise with options to advance, I would be extremely interested. I don’t think much will change, but if someone has their heart set on competing in the Champions League, then that is their goal.”
In his final game at Anfield against Aston Villa, Roberto Firmino scored, and Van Dijk thinks Cody Gakpo, a team-mate from the Netherlands, is doing a great job of filling in for the Brazilian as Liverpool’s false nine.
“I think Cody’s doing exceptional,” he continued. “I think it’s a very, very difficult role to play. He continues to grow and adapt. Bobby has, in my opinion, been among the best in this position. The fact that Cody has done so well in his first six months is encouraging, and he needs to keep moving forward, keep both feet on the ground, and pay attention to me!”
