Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is keen to convey a sense of ‘calmness’ within the squad in a bid for Premier League glory this season.
The Reds currently lead the way in the Premier League, with Arsenal just two points behind Jurgen Klopp’s side. Manchester City, meanwhile, are third and three points off top with just eight games left to play of the season.
Ahead of the title run-in, Van Dijk insists he has taken it upon himself to bring a sense of calmness to the Liverpool squad.
“The calmness I want in life personally – trying not to stress about the small things that shouldn’t have an influence on your state of mind – is something I try to implement in the group,” the 32-year-old, speaking at the launch of this year’s McDonald’s Fun Football programme which provides half a million children the chance to play football for free in 2024, told the PA news agency.
Try to focus on where we have influence and that is our performances. I know I have a big role. I’m quite vocal but it’s more I’d rather have a good atmosphere outside the pitch, I want everyone to feel comfortable and feel happy and express themselves in the best way possible because then you can get the best out of everyone. .
That standard has been set over the last few years with our previous captain, who was outstanding, but obviously I do it my own way. The responsibility I have to the club goes around the world and I won’t take that for granted because it’s a special situation for myself to be captain of Liverpool.”
Following Liverpool’s Carabao Cup win over Chelsea in February, Van Dijk believes the Reds have what it takes to win even more silverware between now and the end of May. “It’s getting exciting. If you thought about a year ago, in a bit of transition, and where we are right now and what we have achieved so far this season everyone would have taken it with both hands,” he added.
Two months left: there will be moments of nervousness, there will be games where we are struggling but it is about never giving up and enjoying every moment of it. Every team in the league would love to be in the position we are and that’s something you have to remind yourself.
“These are the times you want to be a football player: to win that (Premier League) again would be absolutely unbelievable, especially after the season we had last year. We have a big one at the weekend, then the chaos starts again with those games coming thick and fast.”
