Virgil van Dijk admits it was “not easy” for Arne Slot to replace Jurgen Klopp as he explained how the new boss is changing the mindset at Liverpool. Slot took over from Klopp during the summer after the German departed following an almost nine-year tenure in which the Reds won a slew of honours.
The Dutchman has subsequently enjoyed the most successful start of a manager in Liverpool’s history having overseen 15 wins in 17 games to guide his team to the top of the Premier League and Champions League tables and into the League Cup quarter-finals.
And compatriot Van Dijk believes the impact of Slot has offered a fresh outlook to a squad that, with the exception of summer signing Federico Chiesa, all featured last season under Klopp.
“It’s not easy,” said Van Dijk of Slot following in the footsteps of Klopp. “On the other hand, Slot has provided a breath of fresh air. He tackles things in his own way and where I can help him, I do so
The coach inherited a very good team. We must not forget that last season we were fighting for the title with Arsenal and Manchester City until five games before the end. Slot is a very good manager.”
Speaking to Dutch media outlet Voetbal International (via Voetbal Primeur), Van Dijk also outlined a key change that has been made to his own game when in possession
With the new coach Arne Slot, slightly different things are being asked,” he said. “Not only from me, but also from the other players. I have a very prominent role in that and I like that. And I think the coach is very happy with that.
“I am in a position where you can see, for example, how the opponent puts pressure. With one or two or three strikers. Are the opponent’s full-backs high or not, do they play with one or two controlling midfielders? There are different options every time.
“I’ve talked about it with the coach since day one. We sat down, with images. The development after that has only been good. I’m really enjoying it here.
“I also have a good view of what’s happening when I have the ball, together with Ibrahima Konate, who’s doing great. Every match can be different. Am I blocked by a striker or not? Do they want me to move to midfield and take the initiative there? That’s all part of it and it works out really well.”
