Virgil van Dijk on talkSPORT: Liverpool star talks Jurgen Klopp, Harry Kane and that special victory over Barcelona

Virgil van Dijk on talkSPORT: Liverpool star talks Jurgen Klopp, Harry Kane and that special victory over Barcelona
Virgil van Dijk spoke exclusively to talkSPORT’s Laura Woods ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League final against Tottenham in Madrid.The PFA Player of the Year opened up on a range of topics, including his relationship with Jurgen Klopp and that special victory over Barcelona at Anfield.Virgil van Dijk sat down for an exclusive chat with talkSPORT’s Laura WoodstalkSPORT9
Virgil van Dijk sat down for an exclusive chat with talkSPORT’s Laura Woods
Looking ahead to the showdown with Spurs, he discussed the heartbreak of last year’s final and explained why it doesn’t matter whether Harry Kane plays.Here are some of the highlights…

His relationship with Jurgen Klopp

Klopp and Van Dijk are not afraid to be truthful with each otherGETTY9
Klopp and Van Dijk are not afraid to be truthful with each other
“I have a good relationship with him because he just tells you the truth and I will tell him the truth. Thats something I really appreciate.“Sometimes when there is a mistake I did, that no one else sees, he will tell me.“For example, away at Bayern Munich, they scored the equaliser from a ball behind Andy Robertson.“Normally, Im there to protect him, but I didnt. It looked like Andy Robertson was in trouble, so they scored and nobody said it was me.“But at half-time, the manager came in and shouted at me.“I think hes definitely up there with the best coaches Ive had, [Ronald] Koeman was also a very important factor in my career and still is.”

The miracle against Barcelona at Anfield

Liverpool pulled off an Anfield miracle to beat Barcelona 4-0Getty9
Liverpool pulled off an Anfield miracle to beat Barcelona 4-0
“It was a strange one [the first-leg]. We felt like, How could this happen? We played pretty well and they won 3-0.“I remember after the game against Newcaste [the following Saturday], we were on the coach looking at the starting XI from Barca at the weekend, and no one played. So we knew they would be fresh and ready.“When we arrived at the stadium, it felt like it could be a really special night, and it wasnt too bad!“If a team is 3-0 down against Barcelona and they have to turn it around, Im going to think they wont do it.“Messi will score at least one and Suarez will tap one in. Then they have to score five.“It was something to never forget. Everything clicked and everything worked out from start to finish.“Barcelona, they said it in interviews, after the first goal they saw the flashbacks from Rome.”

His effect on Joel Matip

Matip has emerged as a rock for LiverpoolGETTY9
Matip has emerged as a rock for Liverpool
“I like to be straight with players. I like when people give me confidence, so I like to give confidence to other players as well.“I know with him, he can be quiet off the pitch, but on the pitch hes a fantastic player. Hes had a fantastic season. Hes been outstanding.“Id rather say too much than nothing at all. It keeps everyone on their toes. It makes you alert and awake.”

What changes if Harry Kane starts the Champions League final?

Harry Kane looks set to recover from injury and start in MadridGetty9
Harry Kane looks set to recover from injury and start in Madrid
“We will be preparing on the system theyre going to play because thats the most important thing theyre going to adapt on.“The only thing I will do, when I know the team, is consider their strengths.“They have plenty of players who can make a difference. If its Heung-min Son, Lucas Moura, or Fernando Llorente in a different kind of way, we need to be ready anyway.”

Does last year’s defeat to Real Madrid make Liverpool stronger?

Van Dijk finished runner-up with Liverpool in last year’s Champions LeagueGETTY9
Van Dijk finished runner-up with Liverpool in last year’s Champions League
“Weve made big steps as a team, weve bonded together.“Throughout the whole season, weve been playing very consistently. Weve been using the whole squad.“I think were better than last year because weve all made steps and grown as players. Hopefully the experience will help us.“But its one game, 90 minutes, and anything can happen.”

Can he get even better?

Van Dijk expects to get even betterGETTY9
Van Dijk expects to get even better
“I think I have improved on every aspect of my game. Ive had a lot of experience over the last year.“I think as a central defender you grow as a player.“Theres still more to come. Theres always things to improve, you cant be satisfied with what you have.“You have to keep working. I will definitely look at it when Im having my holiday.”

His personality off the pitch

Van Dijk is a completely different person off the pitchGETTY9
Van Dijk is a completely different person off the pitch
“Im just a bit relaxed. I like to chill and just be myself. Ill always tell the truth and tell you how it is.”

How does he respond to criticism?

The Dutchman easily shrugs off criticismGETTY9
The Dutchman easily shrugs off criticism
“I know exactly when I make a mistake and need to do something better.“You have pundits and fans from other teams who will say loads of things and it goes past me. Thats life.“Football is a game. Its something I love to do. But there are so many things in life that are more important.“If I keep that in mind, Im fine. Ive learned that over the years.“Im turning 28 in the summer. If it doesnt work this year, I go again next year.”talkSPORT will bring you live commentary of the Champions League final between Tottenham and Liverpool on Saturday

Spend per point – 4,606,363

Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho. It culminated in Mourinho's dismissal in the wake of a 3-1 defeat at Liverpool, and the 56-year-old says he will look to avoid a similar set of
Jose Mourinho should have been backed by Manchester United in

Jose Mourinho has failed to entertain Manchester United fans at Old Trafford this season

A young Chelsea fan has been found guilty of homophobic chants during the Blues 1-2 win Brighton last month, and as a consequence, the youngster has been banned from football for 3 years from the date of the sentence.
Chelsea fan banned for three years for homophobic abuse

Bristol City star Famara Diedhiou

Posted on 12/05/2019 by football Posted in nuno espirito santo, premier league, ruben vinagre, wolverhampton Photo Posted on 04/05/2019 by football Posted in aleksandar mitrovic , calum chambers , fulham fc , premier league , willy boly , wolverhampton
Clockwatch + Newcastle United | The Guardian

The Villans have ended their three-year exile from the top-flight

Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville join Michail Antonio in Ali G dance. Michail Antonio wrapped up the points in West Ham's 3-1 win over Fulham on Friday night before breaking into a celebratory
Jamie Carragher compared Liverpool's squad to Man United's

Reece Oxford was not getting a look-in at West Ham

Tottenham vs Liverpool: Harry Kane confirms he is 'ready' to return for Champions League final. Mauricio Pochettino described the England captain's progress as 'very positive'
Harry Kane - Wikipedia

Keane’s row with McCarthy in Saipan caused a major storm back home in Ireland

Kick It Out apologise to Brighton after employee Troy Townsend slammed club for sacking BAME boss Chris Hughton despite avoiding relegation. Troy Townsend criticised Brighton over their sacking of
Kick It Out apologise to Brighton over Chris Hughton sacking

24 goals, 12 assists = 36 involvements

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp insists the pressure is all on Manchester City as they prepare for the crucial Barclays Premier League showdown at Eastlands. Victory for Spurs will guarantee them
Tottenham boss Redknapp considering crazy quest to bring

Tottenham star Harry Winks rows with Chelsea’s acting captain Cesar Azpilicueta.

West Ham vs Arsenal: TV channel, live stream, kick-off time and team news for London derby. The Gunners make the short trip across the capital to face the Hammers at the London Stadium this weekend.
West Ham vs Arsenal: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time

Karamoko Dembele had an instant impact for Celtic

Scotland manager Alex McLeish admits he remains in touch with Angus Gunn's father over the Southampton goalkeeper's international allegiance. McLeish played with Bryan Gunn during their time at
Angus Gunn for Scotland? Alex McLeish reveals private

Arsenal players celebrate scoring in their 2-0 win over Tottenham last season.

Oldham Athletic appoint Pete Wild as manager until end of season. Just over a week since Paul Scholes walked out of Oldham Athletic, the club has announced interim academy manager Pete Wild as their new boss until the end of the season. Date Published 22/03/2019

Divock Origi struck late on to seal a dramatic win for Liverpool

Jan 25, 2019 · Alexis Sanchez opened the scoring and Manchester United eased by Arsenal in the FA Cup 4th That figure would have won the Premier League in every year of its existence until last season
Premier League Sunday preview: Arsenal, Man United, Liverpool

Pep Guardiola’s Man City take on Wolves tonight

Manchester United team news: The expected line-up vs Barcelona Paul Pogba is set to make a European return for the Red Devils against a Barça side in strong form
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: I'm so happy for Andreas Pereira
thepeoplesperson.com/2019/03/03/ole-gunnar-solskjaer-im-so-happy-for-andreas-pereira-206050/
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has praised Andreas Pereira for his performance vs Southampton after his goalscoring display. The club's fans were ecstatic after the youngster netted

Sterling has been outstanding in recent weeks

Cheltenham Town's top 10 achievements: Promotions to Football League, play-off glory, FA Trophy victory at Wembley, FA Cup fifth round, League One survival and the double over Leeds United 132 years of history Gloucestershire Echo - Published 2 weeks ago Also reported by •Stroud Life •Gloucester Citizen
Troy Deeney #9 News, Stats, Photos - Watford - Football - MSN

Post a Comment

0 Comments