LIVERPOOL: Virgil van Dijk insists Liverpool need to show reaction after a disappointing season that led to Arne Slot losing his job as manager, but has asked fans to be patient with new coach Andoni Iraola.
The Reds had to rely on Dominik Szoboszlai’s 99th-minute penalty to salvage a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United in their opening Premier League match.
Slot previously led Liverpool to the club’s 20th league title in its inaugural season in 2024/25, but was sacked in May after the team finished last season in fifth place.
Some of the same weaknesses were still visible in Iraola’s first game at St James’ Park when Liverpool’s defense was frequently exploited by Newcastle’s quick counterattacks.
However, the Reds twice came from behind to avoid defeat in the first match of the new season.
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“It’s normal in any job when someone comes up with new plans and ideas, it takes some time with the new players.
“But it’s up to us to do it as quickly as possible because we want to improve, we want to win and get better. That’s what we’re going to try to do.
“We need to show the reaction from last season that we are much better than last year because the situation is completely unacceptable,” said Van Dijk.
Iraola also faces challenges after Liverpool have yet to bring in many new players in the transfer window, especially after losing Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike’s long-term injury.
Liverpool have so far only added Spanish winger Victor Munoz and two defenders, Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo, to strengthen the team.
Van Dijk, however, believes that the management will make the right decision, while admitting that everyone is hoping for the presence of quality players to join the squad.