Virgil van Dijk believes last season’s failures can serve as motivation for Liverpool to chase trophies in 2025.
The Reds endured a disappointing end to their previous campaign, finishing third in the Premier League after crashing out of the title race and crashing out of the Europa League at the quarter-final stage.
This term, however, Liverpool is in a much stronger position. They currently lead the Premier League with six points and can boast a perfect record in the Champions League.
Van Dijk spoke of the team’s calm and focused approach, crediting their work ethic and collective mindset as they continue to compete on multiple fronts under Arne Slot.
“I think you have to learn from the difficult moments and the moments 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 experience from last year and that should make you better, aware of how to deal with certain situations and circumstances and you should be better equipped. Let’s see.
We guarantee our place in the last 16 ✅✨ pic.twitter.com/lNQNouysss
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 21, 2025
“At this moment I look at our team and we are very calm, we work every day, every game and we need everyone fit, healthy and fit and that is the goal.
“Going into every game with the mentality, it’s played from game to game. That’s how it’s always been. It’s a nice ride, I think you should enjoy it too and I certainly will.
Liverpool’s games did not go unnoticed. Brentford head coach Thomas Frank recently described the Reds as “the best team in the world”, a claim confirmed by Lille striker Jonathan David.
For Van Dijk, such accolades are testament to the team’s efforts. “I think it kind of confirms that we’re on the right track,” he added.
“We work so hard every game to be a team that is hard to beat.
“When other managers praise you not only for the way you attack, but also for your defence, and the group and the bodies you put back behind the ball, it’s just a good sign and a recognition of the hard work that everyone has put in. That’s the only thing that we should take from it, and other than that we just focus on doing it and staying consistent.”
