Virgil van Dijk has urged Liverpool to hold renewed perception into the New Yr as the Reds welcome Leeds United to Anfield, as reported by Softfootball. The Premier League fixture gives Arne Slot’s aspect an opportunity to register a fourth consecutive league win and proceed a seven-game unbeaten run throughout all competitions, as detailed within the match build-up protection.
With momentum slowly returning, the Liverpool captain believes the opening recreation of 2026 should mirror clear intent and unity, as highlighted in Conor Bradley’s preview of the Anfield conflict.
In his programme notes, which had been shared on the membership’s official X account, Van Dijk acknowledges that the season has not unfolded as hoped however stresses that latest performances present indicators of restoration. He explains that optimism is shared throughout the squad and directed towards supporters.
He mentioned:
I definitely go into this yr with optimism, which I hope you all share.
He admits the gamers really feel the frustration as a lot because the followers, including:
We all know that this season hasn’t gone the best way we hoped it might to this point, and belief me after I say that we’re as upset as anybody at that.
The Liverpool skipper factors to the latest unbeaten sequence as one thing to construct on, even when performances haven’t been flawless.
Emphasising perspective, he mentioned:
It hasn’t been excellent, by any means, however to go seven video games unbeaten in all competitions, we have now to take that and be inspired by that.
For Van Dijk, the subsequent step is consistency, which he believes will outline Liverpool’s second half of the marketing campaign.
He added:
The important thing now could be to construct on this latest run, to point out some consistency and put ourselves in a good stronger place within the coming weeks.
Arduous work stays the central theme of his message. Van Dijk is obvious that enchancment is not going to come with out each day effort.
He acknowledged:
As ever, all of it comes again to arduous work.
He additionally dismisses harm issues as an excuse, noting the depth throughout the squad and the return of key gamers, insisting there might be no hiding place for requirements to drop.
Trying particularly at Leeds United, Van Dijk anticipates a troublesome contest in opposition to a aspect in good type however highlights Liverpool’s delight of their residence performances.
He underlines the collective give attention to delivering an Anfield show supporters can rally behind.
He then concluded with a easy however highly effective name to motion:
After all, we need to begin the yr with a victory as we speak, particularly enjoying at Anfield… Let’s begin 2026 the suitable method.
For Liverpool, the message is obvious. The New Yr begins with perception, duty, and the expectation that latest guarantees should now flip into sustained outcomes.
