Virgil van Dijk believes last season’s failures can serve as motivation for Liverpool to push for trophies in 2025.
The Reds had a disappointing end to their previous campaign, finishing third in the Premier League after falling out of the title race and exiting the Europa League at the quarter-final stage.
This term, however, Liverpool are in a much stronger position. They currently lead the Premier League by six points and have a perfect record in the Champions League.
Van Dijk spoke of the team’s calm and focused approach, crediting their work ethic and collective mentality as they continue to compete on multiple fronts under Arne Slot.
“I think you have to learn from difficult times and times that don’t go your way,” he said after Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Lille.
“Most of the guys in the dressing room now have had last year’s experience and that should make you better, inform you of how to deal with certain situations and circumstances and be better equipped. Let’s see.
Securing our place in the last 16 ✅✨ pic.twitter.com/lNQNouysss
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 21, 2025
“At the moment I look at our squad and we’re very calm, we work our socks off every day, every game and we need everyone fit, healthy and fit and that’s the aim.
“Going into every game with the mindset it’s game by game. That’s how it’s always been done. It’s a nice ride, I think you should enjoy it too and I definitely will.
Liverpool’s performances did not go unnoticed. Brentford manager Thomas Frank recently described the Reds as the “best team in the world”, a claim supported by Lille striker Jonathan David.
For Van Dijk, such accolades are testament to the team’s efforts. “I think it confirms that we are on the right track,” he added.
“We work every game so hard to be a very tough team.
“When the other coaches praise you not only for the way you attack but defend as well as a team and the bodies you get back behind the ball, that’s just a good sign and credit to all the hard work that everyone has put in and everyone. That’s the only thing we have to take from it and other than that is just focus on getting it done and staying consistent.”
