Virgil van Dijk explains what Liverpool MUST DO to thrive under Arne Slot | OneFootball

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is optimistic about the club's future under incoming boss Arne Slot and has explained what they must do to thrive under the Dutchman next season.

Jurgen Klopp's exceptional spell in charge of the Reds came to a close on Sunday as Liverpool beat Wolves 2-0 in the German's final game in charge of the club.

Emotions ran high inside a packed-out Anfield after the full-time whistle as Klopp said goodbye to the club's supporters, as did the likes of Joel Matip, Thiago and assistant manager Pep Lijnders among others.

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It will be a summer of huge change for the Reds as Feyenoord boss Slot prepares to take over, with fans left uncertain of what the future will look like after Klopp's departure.

However, skipper Van Dijk doesn't anticipate a significant drop-off in performances or results next season and has explained how the Reds can help minimise the impact of Klopp's exit.

VIRGIL VAN DIJK BACKS ARNE SLOT

Speaking after the victory with Wolves, Van Dijk issued a defiant response to suggestions that Liverpool could struggle next season in the way that Manchester United did after Alex Ferguson's exit in 2013.

"I don’t want to compare our situation to other teams but I can only see what is in there [the dressing room] and how we have been performing the whole season," Van Dijk said (via Yahoo).

"There is so much room for improvement, so much room to develop, personally as players but definitely as a group in certain situations and it will.

"Change is sometimes a little bit scary as you are in the unknown but the only thing you can do is trust the club and we will find out how it looks when we come back and report for pre-season."

Eredivisie: Feyenoord v Ajax Rotterdam - Feyenoord coach Arne Slot during the Eredivisie match between Feyenoord v Ajax at Stadion Feijenoord De Kuip on 7 April 2024 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Copyright: xYannickxVerhoevenx

Commenting on what Liverpool must do to ensure a smooth transition under his compatriot Slot, Van Dijk added: "I am very curious and have a lot of questions all the time. We will see; the Premier League and Liverpool is obviously a different ball game but we are here for him, I’ll be here for him whatever he needs.

"It is all about sticking together and giving him the chance of showing what he is capable of with the other guys who will come in.

"He probably knows already but everyone knows our expectations are always huge and it is about managing that in the right way and getting the maximum out of all of our players."

There has been speculation regarding Van Dijk's Liverpool future heading into the summer window. The centre-back will be 33 by the time next season begins and his contract is set to expire in 2025, meaning the Reds either have to tie him down to a new deal or risk losing him for free.

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