Liverpool star Virgil Van Dijk has an offer for the upcoming Liverpool manager, as the current boss, Jurgen Klopp, is about to depart.
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has opened up about the imminent exit of Jurgen Klopp. The German boss will leave Anfield, ending his nine-year legendary reign at the club.
Virgil van Dijk says he would be willing to offer some advice to Jurgen Klopp’s successor if the new Liverpool boss seeks his input, as any help from the Red captain would make it easier for the next manager to adapt to the club.
Klopp recruited Van Dijk from Southampton in 2018 for about $91.6 million (€86 million/£72 million), and he has been instrumental in Liverpool’s Champions League and Premier League victories. The Dutch international is entering his final contract year this summer, with his future remaining unknown amid Klopp’s emotional exit.
Van Dijk, who will be 33 this summer, said earlier this year that he wasn’t sure where he fit into the new manager’s plans. However, he has now stated that he is eager to assist Klopp’s replacement in settling in.
The Dutch defender told ITV:
“You want to do things in your own way, what you think is important for the team and what will be successful to the team, that’s what you bring to the table as well.”
“I’m sure that a new manager will definitely have that feeling but if there’s any questions or anything that he would like me to advise him on I would definitely do that.”
After the rejection by initial favorite Xabi Alonso, the possible options for the next Liverpool boss are Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim, Brighton’s head coach Roberto De Zerbi, and Germany’s Julian Naglesmann.
On the emotional exit of Klopp, Van Dijk added:
“I’m a very emotional person and I don’t like to say goodbyes. Being the captain now as well, it’s going to be horrible in that sense, because probably I’ll have to speak a little bit, and that day I’ll be dreading. It makes it a lot easier if we have success.”
“We know the end of the season will be emotional. But we can make it emotional in a good way by winning trophies. The only influence we have is the games that we play. We have to embrace it, we have to enjoy it, we have to go out there and fight.”
On the pitch, Liverpool players are eager to commemorate Klopp’s departure in style. The treble remains a possibility, with the Reds already in the Europa League‘s last eight and the Carabao Cup secured. Winning the Premier League, however, would be the perfect send-off for the German.
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This season, Van Dijk has demonstrated his continued status at Anfield as one of the world’s top defenders by being the key player in Liverpool’s every victory. Liverpool will have to prepare for life without him at some point.
Although he is expected to play an important role in the next manager’s plans, he is also willing to provide assistance to the upcoming manager. He is correct about Klopp’s exit, but completing his term with the league title would be the ideal ending.
