Van Dijk: Manchester City 2-0 away game in the best game of the season, I am not as good as him at Connate

On May 25, Liverpool captain Van Dijk accepted an exclusive interview with French media "Team" and talked about topics such as winning the Premier League, Slott, partner Connate, and renewing the contract with Liverpool.

is about to lift the Premier League championship trophy. How did you feel in the past few days?

"Maybe it's not these days (laughs), but in fact, for several months, I have always had a foreshadowing this moment. You can imagine what that moment will look like, and you can even dream of it... but it really made me realize that it is coming in a celebration after defeating Tottenham."

Last summer, everyone was not optimistic about Liverpool's championship. Is this the source of motivation for the team?

"No, because if you try to prove someone wrong, it will make you obsessed, especially clubs like Liverpool, which are often the subject of various discussions. I understand the skepticism of us at the time, a head coach who has achieved many successes has just left (Klopp), but few people know his successor (Slotter). "

Did you realize at the beginning of the season that you can win the Premier League under Slotter?

"This is not a matter of a moment, but a long-term process. We play in a very demanding league, usually in December, January and February, which is very difficult. In fact, this year, the situation has really become clear for us in March and April, because even if we don't play the best football, we can win the game, which is always a good sign."

Talk about the best game of Liverpool this season

"We beat Manchester City 2-0 away, and we performed very well in the first half, and then we defended very well. I held the opponent. This game was a good performance, both offense and defense, and even from a psychological point of view. We haven't won the ball there for a long time. "

Talking about the changes brought by Slot

"The head coach gave me more responsibility for organizing the offense in the game. When we face low-post defense, I will try to make penetrating passes to help our midfield. And when facing a team pressing at high positions, I will choose to pass long to our wingers."

With the contract renewal undecided, how to ensure that this uncertainty does not affect my performance?

"For my teammates, club staff, and fans around the world, I think I have a responsibility to maintain a good performance. Regardless of the situation, the only way I can have an impact on it is to go all out on the court."

Have you discussed these things with Salah and Arnold who are facing the same situation?

"The most important thing for us is to stay focused and strive to win, and make sure that the topic does not interfere with the team, and we have done this successfully." Did partner Connate also have his best season at Liverpool?

"Yes, I think so. He is not only a good friend of mine, but also a great defender. Fast, strong and eager to be a leader, he is moving towards this goal, he's always improving. He's also more focused on taking care of his body now, which is one of the reasons he can play more frequently now than before. It's normal, as your career goes deeper, you'll gradually understand how to get your body to different situations. At least when I'm as old as him (25 years old), I'm nowhere near as good as he is now. So he still has a lot of time to keep improving himself."

Is he one of the best central defenders you've ever worked with?

"Yes, he is definitely one of the best. But I probably won't say he is the best, because I and Joe Gomez were also very outstanding partners." Do the central defenders need to have a harmonious relationship on the court to complement each other on the court?

"Yes, because we want to be a solid line of defense, you must know your partner very well, know his strengths and weaknesses, so that you can help him as much as possible in the game. And to establish this tacit understanding, you also need to get along well off the court."

talk about the elimination of the Champions League by Paris

"I was very impressed by Paris' style of play, the personal abilities of the players and the way they put all their efforts. Although we were at a disadvantage in the first leg, we finally won, which happened in football games from time to time."

talk about renewing Liverpool

"Every time we signed a contract with the club, it was a very special moment for me. The first (2018) was the beginning of the adventure; The second time (2021) is a reward for my efforts to some extent; the third time (April this year) is because it took us a long time to reach an agreement. This new contract makes me very proud. If I can fulfill the contract, I will be close to 10 years for the club. "

If a player can play for a Premier League giant for 10 years, there will usually be a commemorative game...

"Yes, this tradition is still there. But because I joined in the winter window (January 2018), I only spent nine and a half years at the club when the contract expires (June 2027). It seems that I have to stay for another 6 months (laughs). "

Will continue to serve as the captain of the Red Army in the next few years. What does this responsibility mean?

"It's not just about wearing armbands on your arms, yelling to remind your teammates on the court and being the first to lift the trophy, it's a huge responsibility, and I cherish it very much. My mission is to make sure everyone feels a common motivation: not just all the players, but everyone I meet at the training centre. A lot of people regard you as their leader, which is a satisfying feeling. Even in my wildest dreams, I never thought of one day becoming the captain of Liverpool, let alone being the captain of the Dutch national team."