Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk insists he is ready to captain the club next season after holding positive discussions with new head coach Arne Slot.
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has confirmed his commitment to captain the club in Arne Slot‘s first season at Anfield.
Earlier this month, Slot was appointed as Jurgen Klopp‘s successor, penning a three-year deal to become Liverpool’s new head coach.
Klopp’s departure after nine years as manager has led to concern about how easy the transition will be under a new manager.
There is also uncertainty about the futures of key players like Van Dijk, with his contract set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season.
While it remains to be seen whether he will sign a new deal, Van Dijk has made it clear that he will continue to captain the club next season after holding positive talks with Slot.
“I have full trust in the club and their decisions going forward”
Virgil van Dijk on Liverpool’s appointment of Arne Slot 🔴🗣️ pic.twitter.com/ad81UKWtQA
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 26, 2024
Van Dijk reveals Slot talks
Speaking at the start of the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 camp, Van Dijk told reporters: “I still have a year left on my contract. I am club captain and I have made it clear I am there for the new coach and enthusiastic over the next season.
“Obviously, there will be a lot of changes but I am confident we will make a big success of it. I congratulated him of course and I’m really pleased for him and his family. We spoke about the team and the future, but now my focus is fully on the national team.”
Prior to linking up with his national side, the 32-year-old defender attended Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix, where he was asked whether Liverpool could enjoy success under Slot’s tutelage.
“Let’s hope so,” Van Dijk told Sky Sports News. “Obviously change is always a bit unknown, but I’ve got full confidence, and I’m looking forward to the new season already.”
“I have trust in the club and who we’ve appointed.” 🙏
Alpine F1 investor Trent Alexander-Arnold discusses Arne Slot, and the Euros, ahead of the Monaco GP ⚽️🏎️ pic.twitter.com/LB0pJMa9OI
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 25, 2024
Alexander-Arnold offers Slot backing
Like his Liverpool teammate, England international Trent Alexander-Arnold was also in attendance at the Monaco Grand Prix weekend.
Alexander-Arnold, who is an investor in the Alpine F1 team, insisted he has faith in the club’s decision to appoint Slot as Klopp’s replacement.
“I have trust in the club and who we’ve appointed,” Alexander-Arnold said. “As a player, that’s all you can ask for is to have trust in what the higher-ups have brought in. I’m sure it will be a smooth transition.”
The Liverpool vice-captain is out of contract in the summer of 2025 and is yet to reach an agreement over a new deal.
Alexander-Arnold is set to join up with the England team after being included in Gareth Southgate‘s preliminary squad for Euro 2024.
