Arne Slot reacts to new Virgil van Dijk contract comment | OneFootball

Arne Slot says Virgil van Dijk's comments about focusing on Liverpool's next game are absolutely correct – because nothing is more important than winning the Premier League title.

The Dutchman scored a dramatic 89th minute winner at Anfield on Sunday, breaking West Ham United hearts after Andy Robertson's own goal had threatened to hand the Hammers a point they probably deserved.

Liverpool had taken the lead through Luis Diaz's first-half goal but failed to press home their advantage in front of a celebratory Anfield crowd – the supporters packed in cheering Mohamed Salah's every move after news of his two-year contract extension.

Van Dijk came to the rescue, towering high from a corner to head past Alphonse Areola, and the focus for many supporters is now on whether he'll join Salah in signing a new deal.

But the 33-year-old remained coy in his post-match interview, saying when asked by Sky Sports about his future: “I can tell you I’m very proud today to captain my 100th [league] game for Liverpool. It was an emotional day because of the Hillsborough anniversary.

“The main focus was to get three points and get a step closer to all of our dreams – not only us as players and staff but the whole of everyone connected to Liverpool. That’s the main thing.

Slot was delighted to get over the line against West Ham / Justin Setterfield/GettyImages

"Everyone knows how much I love this club and let’s see what next week will look like."

The what "next week will look like" was picked up by reporters in Slot's post-match press conference, but Van Dijk's fellow countryman quickly reminded those assembled that the Premier League title is not yet won despite the Reds being 13 points clear of Arsenal with six games of the season remaining.

"I think he means let's see what next week means when we play Leicester City because that is, at this moment of time, by far the most important thing this club is looking at," Slot said.

"Two more wins. I think the first 32 games have shown us how difficult it is – not only for us but for every team in the Premier League – to win a game of football. So, the competition has never been as strong as it is this season. That's what makes it so hard to win a game of football.

"Everybody can say, 'You have to win two.' We still have to win two, so we should be completely focused on that and if in the meantime a contract extension or whatever happens – but my full focus is on Leicester and, I'm sure, Virgil's as well.