Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has challenged his side to make amends for its “unacceptable” performances last season.
The Reds finished a disappointing fifth in the Premier League and failed to win a trophy in a dismal campaign that ended in Arne Slot’s sacking.
Just 12 months after winning the English title, Liverpool lost 19 of its 56 matches in all competitions and 12 of its 38 league games — only one fewer than it had lost in the previous three seasons combined.
“Last year was unacceptable. This year we have an opportunity to turn that around,” Van Dijk said.
“We all know how tough that will be, but if you’re not up for the challenge, then you’re not at the right place. What I feel at the moment is everyone is up for the challenge. Let’s see how we go about it.
“I’m really looking forward to this season, and I don’t think we have a point to prove to anyone.
“We have to show how much we care, how much we want to fight for this badge and also realise how privileged we are to be playing for Liverpool.”
Former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been hired to restore the high-intensity football which disappeared under Slot.
Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Andrew Robertson have all departed Anfield since the end of last season, with Curtis Jones set to join Inter Milan.
After Iraola said during pre-season that the players were only fit enough to run for 30 minutes of a match, Van Dijk admitted Liverpool must find a way to avoid the rash of injuries that plagued them last season.
Van Dijk hopes Iraola can get Liverpool playing with more verve and purpose than it managed in Slot’s ill-fated second campaign.
“If you look at Bournemouth last year, I think they were pretty exciting. I would say if we keep working, keep believing, keep showing our quality, then we can be very excited,” Van Dijk said.
“We need everyone to be fit. We need a squad which is able to compete on all four fronts, and that’s the only way to try to be successful.
“Let’s see what the last couple of weeks of the transfer window will bring and then let’s go for it.”
(With inputs from AFP)
Published on Aug 20, 2026