Van Dijk Points to ‘Higher-Ups’: Liverpool Leaders “Falling Apart”

Virgil van Dijk is witnessing Liverpool’s present management group “falling aside” as key gamers go away – however believes “the blokes increased up” can have a plan to resolve it.

Mo Salah and vice-captain Andy Robertson are already confirmed to be departing Liverpool this summer time, whereas Alisson can also be contemplating a transfer away as Juventus circle.

That would go away solely captain Van Dijk from the membership’s established management group, with the likes of Ibrahima Konate and Alexis Mac Allister remaining from the fringes.

It not solely forces one other change of vice-captain after Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s exit final summer time, but additionally – in Van Dijk’s phrases – a necessity for others to “step up” and take accountability.

“You need to ask the query to the blokes increased up,” Van Dijk instructed reporters together with the Occasions‘ Paul Joyce when requested if a reset was vital this summer time.

“The management boys are falling aside – by way of gamers leaving – so gamers need to step up and see what the blokes making the choices are going to do.

“However I’m fairly positive everybody has the best intentions to make us, as a membership, aggressive and hopefully not have a season like we’re having this season once more.”

This summer time is arguably a extra vital summer time than the final, when Liverpool spent £446.2 million however noticed the squad gutted as Alexander-Arnold, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Jarell Quansah, Kostas Tsimikas, Harvey Elliott and Caoimhin Kelleher all left.

There’s a massive determination to make on Arne Slot‘s future, and whereas it’s unlikely the spending document will likely be damaged once more it’s clear additional funding is required in various key positions.

“Gamers need to step up,” Van Dijk continued.

“You develop into that [leadership] function or you have already got it in you. That’s one thing gamers have to indicate much more subsequent season.

“After the World Cup, in pre-season, will probably be an attention-grabbing growth by way of how the supervisor sees it as effectively.

“After which we now have to deal with the season in one of the simplest ways attainable and never have a season like we now have had this season once more.

“We’re enjoying 5 extra video games and we now have to attempt to get qualification for Champions League performed.

“It’s undoubtedly not the requirements that I count on and envision myself being a Liverpool participant – simply to qualify for the Champions League.”

As for Liverpool’s higher-ups, sporting director Richard Hughes and CEO of soccer Michael Edwards are reportedly dedicated for the summer time, however after that time it’s unclear as their contracts expire in 2027.

The Telegraph‘s Sam Wallace wrote earlier this month that each Edwards and Hughes signed these offers with no intention of constant past that time.

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