Liverpool Captain Virgil van Dijk Unfazed by Rivals’ Festive Results
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has revealed that he paid little attention to how their Premier League title rivals performed over the festive period. Despite Manchester City winning twice and Arsenal losing, van Dijk focused on spending time with his family during the break.
After securing a win against Burnley on Boxing Day, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp gave the players two days off before their next match against Newcastle. During this time, Manchester City won two games, while Arsenal suffered a defeat.
Van Dijk expressed his lack of interest in their rivals’ results, stating that he didn’t even watch football during the break. He emphasized the importance of spending time with his family after a hectic schedule.
When asked about the title race, van Dijk remained cautious and avoided making any premature claims. He stressed the team’s focus on consistency and taking each game as it comes, which has been key to their success in the past.
In Liverpool’s recent match against Burnley, van Dijk partnered with 20-year-old Jarell Quansah in central defense. However, Klopp’s rotation policy is likely to see Ibrahima Konate return for the upcoming match against Newcastle.
Van Dijk praised Quansah for his performances this season, highlighting his ability to handle challenges at such a young age. He encouraged Quansah to continue growing and learning from tough times.
Quansah’s confidence was evident in a recent interview where he expressed his ambition to surpass injured teammate Joel Matip. Van Dijk understood Quansah’s mindset but reminded him of Matip’s contributions to the club’s success.
Overall, van Dijk remains focused on the team’s goals and is confident in their ability to navigate the challenges ahead.