Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has issued a rallying cry on the eve of the new Premier League season, demanding no repeat of last year's 'unacceptable' term.
The Reds skipper says he is enthusiastic about the campaign ahead under new boss Andoni Iraola, which begins on Sunday with a visit to Newcastle United.
Last season's struggles
Liverpool began the 2025/26 season as champions of England but suffered 12 league defeats and 20 in all competitions as Arne Slot's side limped to a fifth-place finish on the final day of the campaign, securing Champions League football in the process.
The underperformance led to Slot being removed from his post less than a week after the campaign concluded. He was quickly replaced by Iraola, who was a free agent having left Bournemouth.
Van Dijk's challenge
Basque coach Iraola signed a two-year deal in early June and pre-season performances have hinted at a more adventurous playing style, which is something Van Dijk says he is excited by.
But the long-serving skipper, who will begin his 10th term at the club this weekend, says the whole squad must rise to the challenge of improving significantly on what was a deeply disappointing year under Slot.
“For me personally, being a Liverpool player, last year was unacceptable,” Van Dijk said. “But that is last year. This year we have an opportunity to turn that around, together with our fans.”
“And we all know how tough that will be but if you don't 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. But 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.”
New defensive partnership
Van Dijk will begin the season with a new centre-back partner as Iraola weighs up whether to start £60m signing Jeremy Jacquet or the more experienced Ronald Araujo, who arrived on loan from Barcelona earlier this month.
The Netherlands captain added: “We need a squad that 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.”
