Virgil van Dijk has branded Liverpool’s current campaign "unacceptable" following their disappointing 3-2 defeat by arch-rivals Manchester United on Sunday, while also expressing bemusement at suggestions that players’ holiday time has contributed to their struggles this season.
The loss at Old Trafford has left Liverpool in fourth place, intensifying their battle for Champions League qualification.
Despite a significant injury list, which included key players such as Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak, and two goalkeepers, the Reds captain refused to use this as an excuse for their faltering title challenge.
"I’m not here to make excuses," the Dutch international stated. "It’s been a very disappointing season, an unacceptable season for us, and it’s tough. We shouldn’t feel sorry for ourselves whatsoever.
“We have to work, we have to turn this around and make sure that next season these things don’t happen because it’s not Liverpool."
Van Dijk, known for his forthrightness, addressed questions about players being pictured abroad before the United clash, dismissing the notion that this indicated excessive holiday.
"I’m not sure it’s a holiday," he clarified. "It’s a city trip. But I think if you have one day off, and you don’t have many days off, they decide what they want to do with their families. We are not kids. Everyone is an adult."
When confronted with the perception that the team might have too much time off, Van Dijk responded with surprise.
"Really? I wish we had a couple more days off at times because I think it works both ways. You see Pep Guardiola giving (Manchester City) three days off, for example, the last weeks in a row and they are doing pretty well. It is finding the right balance."
He acknowledged public sentiment, adding: "But I can understand if people think that we’re not training and obviously the results aren’t there that it could be a reason for why we’re not getting results."
The defender expressed a personal desire for improvement and a return to the club's high standards.
"Like anyone else, obviously, personally I want this to be solved. I want us to be what I’ve experienced over my time here. I want to be successful. I want to be consistent with the team, winning games, fighting and getting the job done. At the moment, we are just disappointed."
Emphasising the importance of sustained performance, Van Dijk concluded: "Consistency is the most difficult thing in any job, in anything you do, but it is the best way to be get results and also be successful. That’s what we have to try and find.
“But we have three more games now and then there will be a World Cup, there will be a rest and then we have to realise that next season this season we can’t repeat. It’s unacceptable."
Attention now shifts to Saturday lunchtime’s crucial home fixture against managerless Chelsea, a match Van Dijk is determined to win.
"I will be ready for it. I’m looking forward to it and I am going to make sure we get this done."
