Virgil van Dijk (foto: Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk trusts Liverpool’s board to strengthen Andoni Iraola’s squad, with the new manager still waiting for a marquee winger before the transfer deadline.
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Virgil van Dijk has urged Liverpool’s hierarchy to deliver more quality signings during the final week of the summer transfer window.
The Liverpool captain issued his message after Sunday’s dramatic 2-2 draw against Newcastle United at St James’ Park. New manager Andoni Iraola also expects further additions before next Monday’s 11 pm deadline.
Iraola has wanted more attacking options since arriving at Anfield. Liverpool have spent much of the summer searching for a marquee winger, with Bradley Barcola sitting at the top of the Spaniard’s shortlist.
Paris Saint-Germain value the French international at around £145 million, a figure which has forced Liverpool to study other options. The Reds also submitted two offers for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh, including a latest bid worth £60m, but both were rejected.
Liverpool have completed only one permanent summer signing, bringing in Victor Munoz. Ronald Araujo arrived from Barcelona on loan, while the £60m agreement for Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet was reached in February.
Van Dijk believes Liverpool still needs reinforcements, although the Dutch defender retains full faith in the people responsible for recruitment.
“Everyone wants to see quality arrive regardless. I fully trust the club and the board to make the right decisions. Let’s see what they do,” Van Dijk said.
The captain also stressed that Liverpool’s existing players must accept responsibility after a disappointing previous season. The Reds finished outside the leading positions and entered the new campaign under a different manager with new tactical demands.
“Regardless of what happens, we are Liverpool, and we have to give everything. We have to show a reaction from last year. We have nothing to prove to the outside world. We have to prove something to ourselves through the way we train and approach games,” he added.
Van Dijk described Liverpool’s previous campaign as unacceptable, but he wants the squad to focus on adapting to Iraola’s methods.
“Last year was unacceptable, but last year has gone. We are looking forward and trying to improve. Hopefully, next week we will be much closer to what the manager wants from us,” he said.
Liverpool recovered to earn a point at Newcastle in their opening Premier League match. Van Dijk saw positive signs, although he acknowledged the team still has plenty of work ahead.
“We work on our game every day and spend long hours on the training ground. The season has only started, so panic would put us in a bad position. We need to improve quickly,” said the 35-year-old defender.
“There were some good things, but there were also areas where we need to improve. Our responsibility as Liverpool players is to perform much better than we did last year.”
Several players have left Anfield this summer, while Iraola has started introducing a new tactical structure. Van Dijk accepts the transition requires time, but Liverpool still intend to compete across four competitions.
“Changes are happening at the club and everyone sees them. Some players have left, and others have arrived. We need to reach our best level as soon as possible and challenge on all four fronts,” he said.
“Every new manager arrives with fresh plans and ideas. Players need time to understand them, but our job is to make progress as quickly as possible. We want to improve, win and perform better.”
Liverpool return to Anfield on Saturday for an early Premier League meeting with Nottingham Forest. Iraola will hope to have further transfer progress before the weekend fixture.