Virgil van Djik has been interviewed today. The Liverpool captain coached the McDonalds-sponsored ‘Fun Football’ scheme in the city, and sat down with ITV journalist Steve Scott.
Virgil spoke there about the youngsters, who have emerged this season.
– The values in the club will help them to be able to take it slowly. They will obviously like to do everything as quickly as possible, but this is only the beginning and they continue to develop. There will be many obstacles on the way, but it is something I will definitely make sure they are aware of, he says.
– I dread saying goodbye
The Dutchman was asked about Klopp, and how he views the fact that he will soon say goodbye. Liverpool have a maximum of 14 games left under their legendary manager.
– It will be very difficult. I’m an emotional person and I don’t like saying goodbye. Now I’m the captain, so it will be horrible, since I’ll probably have to talk a little too.
– It’s a day I dread. It’s obvious that he’s been a huge figure for the club for so many years, with all the success we’ve had, and the influence he’s had on the community and the club around the world. If you think of Liverpool, you think of Jürgen Klopp. He has got the club back where it belongs and I also think he is leaving the club in a very good position.
Hints that he wants to stay
The captain has a contract with Liverpool for one more season after this one. His future will certainly be a topic going forward, and in any case after a season in which he may once again have shown himself to be the world’s best centre-back.
He spoke about what it might be like to work under a new manager – and for any Liverpool supporters hoping the 32-year-old signs a new contract – it sounds like his plan is to stay put.
– A new manager will also want to do things in his own way, and bring the things that he wants to bring into the team for it to be successful. If there are any questions or something the person wants to get advice on from me, I will definitely contribute with that, he says.
Now there are two things left:
– Win the two remaining trophies, that’s success. We are in the fight for both. The only thing we can influence are the games we play ourselves. We have to enjoy it, go out there and fight. We try to play our best football but at the end of the day it’s all about results.
