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Virgil van Dijk has revealed what he said to incoming Liverpool manager, Arne Slot, ahead of his first day at the club.
The Reds defender, who has a year remaining on his contract, also stated that while there may be a lot of change at Liverpool following Jurgen Klopp’s departure, he remains ‘confident’ his side can achieve success under the new manager.
Having guided Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title and the Dutch Cup in the last two seasons, Slot arrives at Liverpool with experience of winning major trophies.
Klopp, who guided Liverpool to eight major titles during his nine-year spell at the club, notably led a chant for the club’s new manager during his farewell speech at Anfield following the Reds’ final game of the season.
Virgil van Dijk (pictured) has revealed that he has already spoken to incoming Liverpool boss Arne Slot
Slot (pictured) will officially start work on June 1, but Van Dijk is confident the manager can deliver success
The Dutchman will take over from Jurgen Klopp (right) and certainly has big boots to fill after the German’s success winning eight titles with the club
It also seems that multiple Liverpool stars are enthusiastic about the 45-year-old’s arrival, with Van Dijk delivering his backing to the new coach.
‘I still have a year left on my contract. I am club captain and I have made it clear I am there for the new coach and enthusiastic over the next season,’ the Liverpool defender said during a press conference on Monday, as he prepares for Netherlands’ Euro 2024 campaign.
‘Obviously, there will be a lot of changes but I am confident we will make a big success of it,’ he added, speaking on Slot’s appointment.
It seems Slot has wasted no time in putting his stamp on the club, with the Dutchman hiring Ruben Peeters as Liverpool’s new physical performance coach on Monday.
Slot worked with the performance coach at both Genk and Feyenoord.
Van Dijk also revealed what he had said to the Liverpool boss prior to his arrival, stating: ‘I congratulated him of course and I’m really pleased for him and his family.
‘We spoke about the team and the future, but now my focus is fully on the national team.’
The Dutch defender (pictured) stated that he had spoken with Slot and had given the manager his backing
Slot has previously stated that he would be looking to speak with Klopp (pictured) to gain some advice on taking charge at Liverpool
New Liverpool boss Arne Slot has made his first appointment as the club’s new manager
Ryan Gravenberch (pictured) also stated that he feels Slot can help him improve as a player
Ryan Gravenberch also stated that he was looking forward to Slot’s arrival. The 22-year-old is set to make his first appearance in a men’s senior international tournament after being called up to Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands squad for Euro 2024.
Gravenberch, 22, arrived at Liverpool in September in a £35million transfer and has since gone on to feature in 39 appearances for the Reds scoring four goals.
The Dutchman feels Slot’s appointment can go some way in helping him develop as a player.
‘I think he can be good for my career, it’s a coach who wants to play good football,’ Gravenberch said, when speaking on Slot’s arrival.
Alexander-Arnold believes Liverpool will have a ‘smooth transition’ following Jurgen Klopp’s departure
Alexander-Arnold was pictured this weekend walking the pitlane during qualifying ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix
Trent Alexander-Arnold recently stated that he has ‘total trust’ in Liverpool over Slot’s appointment.
When asked on whether he thought it would be a smooth transition following Klopp’s departure, he said to Sky Sports: ‘I hope so you know, that’s all you can hope.’
‘I have trust in the club and who we’ve appointed so as a player that’s all you can ask for is to have trust in what the higher ups have brought in and I’m sure it will be a smooth transition.’
