Virgil van Dijk insists Liverpool have nothing to prove when new season begins

Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk at the final whistle after the pre-season friendly match at Anfield. Pic: Peter Byrne/PA Wire.

Virgil van Dijk insists Liverpool do not start the new season with a point to prove after the disappointing defence of their Premier League title resulted in the sacking of head coach Arne Slot.

Twelve months ago they opened up with seven successive victories but the nature of the performances papered over cracks which were severely exposed once injuries started to kick in and they lost nine of their next 12.

That form brought disharmony within the squad, most notably Mohamed Salah publicly falling out with Slot after claiming he had been made the scapegoat.

Liverpool lost 19 of 56 matches (34 per cent) and 12 out of 38 league games, only one fewer than they had lost in the previous three seasons, and it cost Slot his job.

Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson have all departed – with Curtis Jones’ move to Inter Milan pending – but most of the squad remain with only Spain winger Victor Munoz and Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet signed and Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo brought in on loan.

New boss Andoni Iraola has been tasked with restoring the high intensity football which disappeared under Slot and is likely to need further reinforcements in midfield and up front.

But for Sunday’s trip to Newcastle the responsibility lies with those who came up so short last season.

“Last year was unacceptable. This year we have an opportunity to turn that around,” said Van Dijk.

“We all know how tough that will be but if you’re not up for the challenge, then you’re not at the right place.

“What I feel at the moment is everyone is up for the challenge. Let’s see how we go about it.

“I’m really looking forward to this season and I don’t think we have a point to prove to anyone.

“We have to show how much we care, how much we want to fight for this badge and also realise how privileged we are to be playing for Liverpool.” Key to Liverpool’s success will be how quickly Iraola’s methods take hold and the avoidance of injuries, particularly to striker Alexander Isak who made just 12 starts in 22 appearances and missed over 140 days, including three months with a broken leg.

They at least have better cover in central defence courtesy of Jacquet and Araujo – with last summer’s signing Geovani Leoni edging back to fitness after ACL surgery – as Van Dijk had to play the majority of games alongside an out-of-form Konate due to availability problems.

Set-pieces were a major area of weakness but Slot’s methodical, risk-averse style of play regularly allowed opponents to get back into games in which they had been dominated was a contributing factor.

“If you look at Bournemouth last year, I think they were pretty exciting. I would say if we keep working, keep believing, keep showing our quality then we can be very excited,” added Van Dijk.

“We need everyone to be fit. We need a squad which is able to compete on all four fronts and that’s the only way to try to be successful.

“Let’s see what the last couple of weeks of the transfer window will bring and then let’s go for it.”