Liverpool FC defender Virgil van Dijk has labelled the season “unacceptable” after their latest loss to Manchester United, admitting the team has fallen well below its expected standards.
The Reds recorded their 18th defeat across all competitions following a 3-2 loss at Old Trafford, increasing pressure on manager Arne Slot during a poor title defence campaign.
As reported by BBC Sport on Monday, the Liverpool captain said, “I’m not here to make excuses,” Van Dijk said. “It’s been a very disappointing season, an unacceptable season, and it’s tough. We shouldn’t feel sorry for ourselves whatsoever.”
He stressed that the squad must take responsibility and respond strongly to avoid repeating the same struggles next season.
“We have to work and turn this around and make sure that next season these things don’t happen. It’s not Liverpool,” he added.
Despite a brief run of three straight Premier League victories before the defeat, Liverpool have now recorded 11 league losses this season — a rare dip for defending champions.
Van Dijk also noted that improvements must extend beyond on-field performances.
“There will be a lot of work that has to be done going into next season,” he said. “When I am back from the World Cup, I will go into it, but there is a lot of work to be done behind the scenes.”
The Dutch defender highlighted the need to secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League, with the club still chasing points from their remaining fixtures.
“We have three games left, and the realisation has to come from ourselves, as a group and as players, to make sure that we are in the Champions League,” Van Dijk said.
“Because of the impact of it for the financial side for the club, but also because we want to be playing against the best teams in Europe.”
He ended with a message of commitment despite the difficult campaign.
“I care so much about this club. I know that it has been a tough season, but I will always be there in good and bad days. It’s not easy, but we keep going.”
