Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is dreading the day he will say goodbye to Jurgen Klopp and departing staff members
Virgil van Dijk admits that he is not looking forward to the day when Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp departs. The Liverpool captain also pointed out that he is not saying goodbye to just Klopp but several staff members.
In January, Klopp announced that he is stepping back from the managerial role which surprised everyone associated with the club. The 56-year-old is a beloved figure and many Liverpool fans have compared his departure to losing a family member.
The announcement proceeded with many staff members informing the club that they were departing alongside Klopp as a sign of loyalty. Liverpool have made several changes in the upper management by bringing in Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes since the announcement.
The Reds are facing drastic restructuring of the backroom once the current season ends, ending a successful era under Klopp. Nevertheless, the club has plenty of football action that remains this season with two trophies to compete for.
Van Dijk enjoyed a steep rise and success under Klopp, becoming one of the best defenders in the world. The 32-year-old shared plenty of ups and downs with the Liverpool boss during their time together at the club.
Van Dijk told ITV News (h/t Mirror) that it will be an emotionally difficult day for him when Klopp leaves. He said:
“I’m a very emotional person and I don’t like to say goodbyes. Being the captain now, it’s gonna be horrible in the sense you probably have to speak a little bit. And like I say that day I’ll be dreading. It makes it a lot easier if we have success. So that’s the aim at the moment. But it’s difficult and it’s not only the boss who is leaving, it’s going to be a lot of changes and more staff leaving, but it will be a tough day, but until the day that we’ll fight and be positive and put all our focus into that to be positive, and put all of our focus and effort in that and make the season successful.”
Klopp appointed Van Dijk as the club’s senior team captain to lead the new-look team before the current season began. The 32-year-old faced serious criticism for his performances last season which coincided with the club’s poor campaign.
However, the Dutch captain proved his naysayers wrong by putting in consistent performances and leading the team to success. Liverpool have already won the Carabao Cup this season and they are at the top of the Premier League table.
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The Reds are also fighting for the Europa League competition alongside the Premier League title chase with few games remaining. Van Dijk understands that the best farewell gift that Klopp could have is a successful end to the campaign.
