Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has said he is ‘calm’ about his future despite entering the final season of his contract.
Van Dijk is one of three big names out of contract at Liverpool next summer, with the Reds also yet to tie Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold down to extensions beyond the 2024/25 campaign.
The 33-year-old led Liverpool to a 2-0 win over Brentford in the Premier League on Sunday, as Arne Slot’s side continued their perfect start to the new season.
Following another win and clean sheet, Van Dijk was asked about his future. The Dutch international said his full focus is on a successful season and insisted that he remains relaxed about his situation.
“I am very calm. The thing is, I want to play the best season I can,” Van Dijk told Sky Sports.
“I want to be important and stay important for the club, Then we will see. Everything happens for a reason but for now, there have been no changes in my situation. I am very calm about it and there is no reason for me to start thinking for something else. I have a whole season left to play.
“I am proud and [Anfield] is home and it is a special place and what I said before, whatever happens in the future, Anfield is a special place in my heart. Let’s see what the season brings.
“I am not playing football to lose or not become successful. It is not guaranteed but I want to win. We know how difficult that is. But playing for Liverpool, one of if not the best clubs in the world, there are expectations. I am really enjoying it so far and there is still so much to improve. Let’s see what the season brings.”
Liverpool have made a strong start under new head coach Slot and Van Dijk opened up on the differences between his compatriot and predecessor Jurgen Klopp.
“The time with Jurgen is amazing and the time with the new boss is a joy and he has a certain way of playing. We work a lot on so many good things and you see a lot with and without the ball that gives confidence to the team. We have to, I won’t say forget about the Jurgen period, but that is in the past and we had an amazing time and now it is a time for the new boss to hopefully be successful. That’s why we have to focus on that, not have comparisons and all of this stuff in my opinion.
“We don’t have new players so far but obviously [I have] that extra responsibility because I know the players inside and out. But I am here for him [Slot]. I told him that from day one and I will help them and the backroom staff. I want to be successful and we are in the same boat. There is extra responsibility there.”
