Virgil van Dijk believes Jurgen Klopp is leaving a strong foundation for his Liverpool successor Arne Slot.
The Dutch defender admits it was difficult for him to say goodbye after Sunday’s 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, but he is optimistic about the future as a new era begins at Anfield.
Liverpool will return to the Champions League under Slot after securing a third place finish and winning the Carabao Cup in Klopp’s final season as manager.
“I can only see what’s in there (the dressing room) and how we’ve done all season,” Van Dijk said.
“There is so much room for improvement, so much room for development. I’m already looking forward to next season.”
“Change is sometimes a bit scary because you are in the unknown, but the only thing you can do is trust the club.”
“I am very curious and have many questions. The Premier League and Liverpool are of course a different game, but we are there for him (slot).
“I will be there for him, whatever he needs. It’s about sticking together and giving him a chance to show what he’s capable of with the other guys coming in. Everyone knows that our expectations are always huge, and that is the case. It’s about managing that correctly and getting the most out of all our players. It starts with a good break and then we’re ready to get going again.
“I would like to congratulate Manchester City (on winning the title) and of course my two good friends Kevin (De Bruyne) and Nathan (Ake). Hopefully next year we will be challenging again and get our work done.”
Asked about his own future as he prepares for the final year of his contract this summer, Van Dijk added: “My future is not important at the moment. The only thing I can say now is that if I have a goodbye, I won’t do it.” I think I would keep it dry (not cry)! Nothing has changed and there are no changes to my situation.
