It was a competition we seemed destined to win and were favourites to do so but Liverpool are out of the Europa League and Virgil van Dijk faced the cameras.

Speaking with TNT Sports, our captain said: “The reality is that we’re out and we have to quickly, very quickly, turn this around.”

READ MORE: (Video) Salah misses chipped chance to double Liverpool lead before half time

It’s the reaction that we’ve been crying out for over several games and weeks now but time is running out if we want to try and win the league.

Dreams of a quadruple and treble are gone, a double is all that remains and it seems we’ll have to win every game left in front of us for a chance of achieving it – something our recent performances haven’t suggested we will do.

You can watch Van Dijk’s comments via @footballontnt on X:

"Much better than last week but it wasn't enough"

Virgil van Dijk reflects on being knocked out of the #UEL by Atalanta with @DannyJamieson… pic.twitter.com/1L1MC5jFz8

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 18, 2024

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Neil Jones has sought to allay Liverpool fans’ fears over the futures of two crucial first-team players at Anfield.

As things stand, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk are approaching the final year of their respective contracts with the Reds, which may leave some supporters worried that the duo mightn’t renew terms with the club.

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However, speaking to EOTK Insider, the journalist is confident that it won’t be much longer before the LFC hierarchy will tie down both players for another few years.

Jones stated: “There’s obviously Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract and I personally expect that to be sorted. I also expect Virgil van Dijk to get a new contract.”

READ MORE: (Video) David Ornstein claims Liverpool could ‘think outside of the obvious’ in manager search

READ MORE: ‘Needs another body’ – Neil Jones insists Liverpool must strengthen in one position this summer

With Jurgen Klopp leaving in a few weeks’ time and speculation arising once more over Mo Salah’s future (his current deal also expires in June 2025), Liverpool could be at risk of facing into a period of alarming uncertainty.

We still don’t know who’ll be taking over from the German as the Reds’ next manager, and that process could be delaying the contract situations regarding Trent and Van Dijk.

It’s understandable that players might want to hold out until the managerial situation is sorted before committing their futures to a club, especially in the Dutchman’s instance as he turns 33 in July.

However, the duo’s status as captain and vice-captain makes it clear how highly they’re valued at Anfield, and there’s still enough time for them to assess their respective futures before the clock truly begins to tick on their existing deals.

Like Jones, we’ve every confidence that both Trent and Van Dijk will pen contract extensions well before the June 2025 expiry date, thus ensuring that Liverpool keep hold of two of their most integral players for another few years.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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On the anniversary of the Hillsborough Stadium disaster, it was fitting that representatives from the club paid their respects at Anfield – including Jurgen Klopp and Virgil van Dijk.

As reported on liverpoolfc.com, those present were: ‘LFC CEO Billy Hogan and Sir Kenny Dalglish, and the respective managers and captains of the club’s men’s and women’s teams…

‘So too did representatives of the Reds’ U21s and U18s squads, as well as club ambassadors Ian Rush, John Barnes and Natasha Dowie, and later the Lord Mayor, Cllr Mary Rasmussen, and Leader of Liverpool City Council Cllr Liam Robinson.’

This is always a day when the club, the city and the football world reflects on events that led to loss of 97 lives in 1989 – whilst the search for justice continues after all this time.

The thoughts of everyone at Empire of the Kop are with those who lost their lives that day, their families, the survivors and every affected by this disastrous event in football history.

You can view the images of the club representatives at Anfield via liverpoolfc.com:

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Virgil van Dijk must have been experiencing a heavy dose of deja vu as he answered questions following a 3-0 loss to Atalanta.

The Dutchman was once again forced to explain a baffling Liverpool performance, this time at home.

‘This feels bad’ was the No.4’s assertion after Gian Piero Gasperini’s Serie A-based outfit punished the hosts in every aspect on the pitch.

The Reds shouldn’t dwell on it for too long, but boy do we need to learn from these mistakes and show some genuine nerve at the most critical stage of the season.

You can catch the clip below, courtesy of @footballontnt:

"Too many individual mistakes"

Virgil van Dijk reflects on unexpected 3-0 loss to Atalanta at Anfield…

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/TCaCthvP93

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 11, 2024

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You can imagine that holding an open training session in front of gathered media isn’t the players’ most favourtie thing to do but Virgil van Dijk seemed to be having a good time.

As Jurgen Klopp’s squad walked out to the field in front of the many cameras in front of them, our captain was first to approach.

READ MORE: (Video) Ashley Williams accuses Liverpool fans of ‘horrible’ hate mail after match that didn’t exist

The thumbs up and smile from the Dutchman was the perfect way to reflect the relaxed mood within camp ahead of a quarter-final tie.

You can watch the clip of Van Dijk (from 1:00) via Liverpool FC on YouTube:

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Virgil van Dijk cut a slightly dejected figure in the direct aftermath of Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United.

The Dutchman admitted a share of the spoils at Old Trafford ‘feels like a loss’ after the Reds failed to capitalise on a mostly dominant display in Manchester.

To put things into perspective, the visitors accrued 28 shots to the hosts’ nine (seven shots on target compared to United’s five). Put simply, we had to do better.

You can catch the clip below, courtesy of @MelissaReddy_ & Sky Sports:

pic.twitter.com/RGQM6Pemgh https://t.co/7GTjF27j2f

— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) April 7, 2024

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Virgil van Dijk is leading Liverpool’s charge towards the title but is fully aware that we’re not going to have it easy against two tough competitors.

Speaking with TNT Sports, our captain was asked about whether he watches the other teams and stated: “I don’t really watch it that much. Obviously a very good friend of mine in Nathan Ake plays for City so obviously we see each other, you know, now and then.

“But, in the end of the day, and that’s what I’ve learned over the years, you know, you have to just focus on yourself.”

READ MORE: (Image) Alisson posts injury update to Liverpool fans; comeback is looming

It’s probably the best way anyone can deal with the title race; concentrate on the Reds, expect the others to win and think that we must also be victorious in our remaining matches.

Let’s hope it’s a script that works in our favour and we don’t have to rely on favours elsewhere to be successful.

You can view Van Dijk’s comments (from 2:28) via TNT Sports on YouTube:

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There’s likely not to be a dry eye in the house when we say goodbye to Jurgen Klopp and Virgil van Dijk has been discussing what the boss means to him.

Speaking with TNT Sports, our captain said: “The manager means a lot to me. Obviously him making sure I joined I will never take for granted.

“What we achieved, he also made my dreams come true. I will always cherish that. We’re definitely going to miss him but we still have a job to do.”

READ MORE: (Video) Alisson injury update as Klopp plots return of first-team players

It’s words that don’t need to be said as we all know what the enigmatic German means to players and fans alike and this is just yet more proof.

The best way to send the 56-year-old off into the sunset though would be with three trophies in his grasp.

You can watch Van Dijk’s comments on Klopp (from 7:18) via TNT Sports on YouTube:

EOTK Insider with Jan Age Fjortoft: Why Alonso said no to LFC, who will replace Klopp now? The PL winners will be…

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Gary Neville has lauded the talents of Virgil van Dijk amid a phenomenal season from the Dutchman.

The ex-England international had been asked to name one player he’d like to bring to Manchester United.

“I would say [Virgil] van Dijk. I just think that Van Dijk would bring dominance to the team and a presence in the team that we haven’t got. We haven’t got a forward as good as Mo Salah, but we’ve got talented forwards,” the former Manchester United fullback spoke on The Overlap.

“I always think if you’ve got a spine of strength and presence… We always say, don’t we, ‘Oh, there’s no Roy Keanes anymore, there’s no Vincent Kompanys anymore, there’s no John Terrys’ – there actually is one now at Liverpool, when you think about how he’s performed this season, Van Dijk. He’s a massive presence on that pitch.

“He’s not the same character as some of those that I’ve mentioned, but he actually is quite dominant on the pitch. He speaks a lot more than people might think, and he actually is someone you can see that’s got an aura about him.”

The Dutch international has helped steer Liverpool to the top of the table in what could be a dramatic end to Jurgen Klopp’s final season at Anfield.

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READ MORE: ‘Are you kidding?’: Pundit reacts to what’s now being said about Liverpool’s next potential manager

READ MORE: ‘One of the best’: Neil Jones absolutely amazed by 25-year-old Liverpool player vs Brighton

Give Van Dijk a new contract

One of the first hurdles a new Liverpool manager will have to clear is our No.4’s expiring contract.

The former Southampton centre-half’s current terms – along with that of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah’s – are set to run out in the summer of 2025.

On current form, however, it would seem daft beyond belief to allow Van Dijk to depart the club in just over a year.

Virgil may be in his 30s but he’s clearly still got a lot to offer in the famous red shirt for years to come.

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Brighton ace Evan Ferguson has claimed Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk ‘has everything’ following Sunday’s clash between the two sides at Anfield.

The Seagulls took the lead inside two minutes thanks to a ferocious effort from Danny Welbeck but goals from Luis Diaz and Mo Salah ensured the Reds finished the weekend top of the Premier League table.

Ferguson, who was a late substitute for Roberto De Zerbi’s side at L4, has admitted his admiration for van Dijk who was named Liverpool captain in the summer following the departure of Jordan Henderson.

“Toughest defender you have faced so far?” Ferguson was asked by ESPN on TikTok (via The Boot Room).

“Van Dijk. He just, he has everything, he’s big, he’s quick, he’s strong, he’s smart. He’s got everything he does,” the Irishman replied.

READ MORE: Another new member of staff; Michael Edwards ramps up 2024/25 Liverpool preparation

Our No.4 has looked back to his world class best this season with his dominance both on the ground and in the air.

There were fears just last season that the Netherlands international was past his best but he’s silenced many of those critics this term and has already added the League Cup to his selection this season.

The Europa League and Premier League remain within Liverpool’s sights during the current campaign as the Reds aim to give Jurgen Klopp the perfect send off.

Van Dijk is in with a shout for our German’s greatest signing during his time on Merseyside and let’s hope he can continue his fine form as we now enter the business end of the season.

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Virgil van Dijk doesn’t take any messing and that was very much on show during our hard-fought victory over Brighton at Anfield.

As the Reds prepared to take a free-kick into the box, our captain clashed with Jan Paul van Hecke on the edge of the penalty area.

READ MORE: (Video) Roy Keane ‘needs a drink’ after making bold title winners prediction

It was clear that our No.4 wasn’t happy with his opponent and it seemed like he was shaping up to strike the 23-year-old, before thinking better of it.

One thing that is for sure is that the Netherlands U21 international won’t mess with the big man again!

You can watch the clash between Van Dijk and Van Hecke via @Redfellas_ on X:

Don't fcuk around with our skipper. You'll find out pic.twitter.com/1AHPAAAQuR

— REDFELLAS (@Redfellas_) March 31, 2024

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Virgil van Dijk has taken the role of being Liverpool’s captain very seriously and his actions in our most recent training videos show how he makes time for his teammates.

The clip showed the skipper walking into the gym and saying: “I just come here to say hello to my boy”, to Joe Gomez.

READ MORE: (Video) Deadeye: Liverpool fans will love remarkable training performance from 24-year-old

After seeing the resurgent rise to prominence of our No.2, it’s great to see that he’s back from England duty in good form and fitness.

Let’s hope that we can keep this good squad morale going in the final months of the campaign.

You can watch the video of Van Dijk and Gomez courtesy of LFC TV:

pic.twitter.com/QRquIQ2pg7

— el media (@girlfden) March 28, 2024

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It seems clear that spirits are high within Liverpool’s training ground at the moment and that was even the case after Virgil van Dijk launched an attack on his teammates.

As Dominik Szoboszlai stretched on a gym ball, his captain decided to kick it and it wasn’t long before the midfielder was on the floor.

READ MORE: (Video) Liverpool fans will love Van Dijk’s training ground birthday song dance

After trying to regain his balance, the Hungarian then lunged to get his captain back but missed and ended up flying to the ground!

You can watch the video of Van Dijk and Szoboszlai courtesy of LFC TV:

반격 시도는 했지만 본전도 못 찾는 견 pic.twitter.com/xHNn2GQvsF

— (@gelatopick) March 29, 2024

EOTK Close-up with Gregory Vignal: LFC Legends with Eriksson, Klopp’s successor & more

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Some of the Liverpool squad could be forgiven for being low on morale after the defeat to Manchester United but in Virgil van Dijk, we clearly have a very positive role model.

Whilst the players sung ‘Happy Birthday’ ahead of training, cameras captured the dance that our captain was doing.

READ MORE: (Video) Salah hillariously tells Szoboszlai and Diaz off for playing football in the gym

It’s safe to say that the Dutchman was enjoying the moment with his teammates!

You can watch Van Dijk’s dance courtesy of LFC TV:

virg doing the gun lean dance to the birthday song he’s so funny pic.twitter.com/20qu1i6jQU

— el (@404NUNEZ) March 28, 2024

EOTK Close-up with Gregory Vignal: LFC Legends with Eriksson, Klopp’s successor & more

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There might be another five days to go before Liverpool resume their Premier League campaign, but Reds fans could be kept busy tonight with a host of Reds players set to represent their countries.

No fewer than 13 members of Jurgen Klopp’s squad could be in action over the next 12 hours or so, with most partaking in friendlies but one hoping to punch a ticket to a major tournament this summer.

We’ve looked at the baker’s dozen of LFC players who’ll be on international duty this evening and tonight, picking out a series of compelling narratives involving a few of those set to take to the pitch for their country.

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Could Kostas be off to Germany?

At 5pm UK time, Georgia and Greece face off in Tbilisi, with both hoping to become the 22nd team to secure a place at Euro 2024.

Kostas Tsimikas will be in action for the visitors as he seeks a first major tournament appearance for his country, who last played on the big stage in the World Cup in Brazil a decade ago.

Should the Greeks qualify this evening, the Liverpool left-back could find himself up against clubmate Diogo Jota in the summer, as the winners of this match join Portugal, Turkey and Czechia in Group F at the finals in June.

READ MORE: Liverpool eyeing move for German prodigy; has one thing in common with 3 Reds youngsters

Another chance for Elliott to fill his boots…and finally get the nod from Southgate?

Harvey Elliott quite enjoyed his most recent outing with England’s under-21s, scoring twice in their 5-1 win away to Azerbaijan last Friday, which took them a step closer to qualification for the European finals in 2025 as they seek to retain the trophy.

The Liverpool gem will fancy his chances of adding to his international tally tonight as Lee Carsley’s side host Luxembourg, which could present an opportunity for another convincing victory.

If the 20-year-old nets another brace and continues his fine form at club level, he’ll surely become impossible for Gareth Southgate to ignore when selecting the Three Lions squad for Euro 2024 – or so you’d like to think.

Friendship set aside for a couple of hours

Conor Bradley spoke glowingly about the helpful advice he’s been receiving from fellow Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson, although their friendship and camaraderie will be put to one side for a couple of hours tonight.

The elder of the two will be on the home side as Scotland continue their preparations for Euro 2024 against Northern Ireland, with the young right-back set to win his 15th senior cap – nearly as many games as he’s played for the Reds’ first team.

We know that both men will be fully committed once they cross the white line – just go easy on each other if you find yourself duelling, lads!

READ MORE: Liverpool fans may be despairing over news that’s been confirmed today for Brighton clash

Could Liverpool duo be facing their next club boss?

We still don’t know who’ll be in charge of Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo at Liverpool next season, although one man who’s been touted as a possible successor to Klopp will be hoping to get one over on the Reds duo tonight.

Netherlands are in Frankfurt to take on Germany, who of course are under the stewardship of Julian Nagelsmann.

The ex-Bayern Munich manager has been touted among the contenders to potentially replace his fellow countryman in the Anfield dugout – will LFC’s Dutchmen be about to come up against their future boss?

A nervous night awaits by the Mediterranean

From a potential future Liverpool manager to the current one…Klopp will be crossing his fingers that all of his players come through the night unscathed, and he may be keeping an especially nervous eye on one man in particular.

Ibrahima Konate missed the Reds’ last three matches with a hamstring injury, although it’s been reported that he’s set to feature for France in their game against Chile in Marseille (Daily Mail).

His club boss won’t be overly keen on seeing the 24-year-old lining out in an international friendly so soon after being sidelined, and with a hectic and pivotal run-in to the season just around the corner.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards and a multi-club model, Alonso’s Liverpool-esque moment and much more!

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