Virgil van Dijk has admitted Liverpool felt ‘drained’ after a ‘frustrating’ season last term and has opened up on the club’s evolution this season.
Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League last season to miss out on Champions League qualification, but the Reds have started the current campaign in strong form and are a point behind leaders Manchester City after nine games.
Jurgen Klopp’s side beat Everton 2-0 in the Merseyside Derby on Saturday, and Van Dijk has opened up on last season’s struggles and the club’s determination to bounce back this time around.
“There has been a transition of course, also in the way we play, different players with different qualities and trying to adapt. It’s working well,” Van Dijk said to TNT Sports.
“Everyone is pushing each other and playing at a high level. That’s the key to success.
“Everyone last year, at the end of the season, was drained – I’ll be honest. It was such a disappointing season because we didn’t find consistency. We played one good game – against Manchester United here and then lost to Bournemouth in the next game. It was so frustrating.
“We had a short break in the summer and then we came back and everyone felt great. It went well and we sense a different vibe and energy in the club.
“It is game by game by game. We have to enjoy the moment, playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world.”