NewsVirgil van Dijk's season preview: 'Everyone is up for the challenge'
The Andoni Iraola era begins in terms of competitive football when the Reds visit Newcastle United for their opening Premier League game of 2026-27 on Sunday afternoon.
Liverpool finished fifth by collecting 60 points in the top flight last term – a significant drop-off, of course, from 2024-25, when they were crowned champions.
But Van Dijk is eager to move on from a difficult campaign and is embracing a fresh start.
The captain said: “For me personally, being a Liverpool player, last year was unacceptable. But that is last year. This year we have an opportunity to turn that around, together with our fans.
“We all know how tough that will be but if you [are not] up for the challenge then you’re not at the right place. What I feel at the moment is everyone is up for the challenge. Let’s see how we go about it.
“But I’m really looking forward to this season and I don’t think we have a point to prove to anyone.
“We have to show how much we care, how much we want to fight for this badge and also realise how privileged we are to be playing for Liverpool.”
The No.4 continued: “If you look at Bournemouth last year [under Iraola], I think they were pretty exciting.
“I would say if we keep working, keep believing, keep showing our quality, staying fit and hopefully win a lot of games, then we can be very excited. That’s the aim, that’s what we fight for, but we all know how tough it is.
“We all know how tough it is to be playing Premier League football, to be playing on all four fronts, but you have to embrace it. You have to enjoy the ride.
“We are all so blessed here and we have to keep going and enjoy it and that’s what I will do, and I encourage everyone to do that as well.
“That’s what I keep saying to the boys as well, so let’s see.”