TOUGH AT THE KLOPP
It’s Jurgen’s five-year anniversary today but Van Dijk admits to ‘challenging times ahead’
KOP boss Jurgen Klopp celebrates five years at Liverpool today with Anfield centre-half Virgil van Dirk claiming everyone wants to see him fall.
Since taking charge on October 8 2015, Klopp has restored Liverpool to their perch by leading them to a sixth Champions League triumph and ending a 30year title wait.
But the champions were walloped 7-2 at Aston Villa on Sunday to underline Van Dijk’s claims that staying top dogs is the toughest gig in sport.
“Trying to stay at the top is the hardest thing to do,” he said. “Everyone wants to see you fall when you reach the top, that’s just what life is about, especially these days.
“There are going to be some very challenging times ahead for us.
“We’re the Premier League champions and it’s something that took a long time coming. It’s something we should enjoy. So we should go out there, enjoy the moment, and just go for it.”
The Villa trouncing was one of three defeats Liverpool have suffered in their 13 games behind closed doors compared to just one in their previous 29 league matches in front of fans.
Van Dijk admits he has found it hard playing without crowds because they give him such a boost, whether it be the backing from the Kop or the barracking from rival fans. “I found it very difficult,” he told Eddie Hearn in the boxing promoter’s latest BBC podcast ‘ No Passion, No Point’. “The fans can play a massive part in difficult games but also in good times
LAUGHING HAS TO STOP Klopp took his side to glory last term but Van Dijk says Liverpool are targets now in games. When you concede a goal, the fans will lift you up and help you go again.
“When you score a goal, they can also help you go further away from the opponent. It’s just that extra boost you can get from the fans. It’s the same for everyone but for us in particular it’s something we enjoy at Anfield.
“Everyone knows how difficult it is to play there with the fans behind us.
“But also when you play away and the fans turn on you, I like that. It gives you extra motivation to do better.
“It’s just something I enjoy and miss completely. Hopefully things will change.”
Van Dijk, one of Klopp’s shrewdest signings, says he feels at home under the Reds boss because they have the same outlook on the game.
“At Liverpool, we have the mindset that we take it game by game,” said the 29-yearold Dutch international. “That’s something I enjoy and how I’ve thought throughout my career. So for me, it’s the perfect match.
“That was my mindset already and it makes it easier that the mindset within the team is also like this.
“I think that’s definitely been key to our success over the last couple of years and the manager has played a massive part in that.”
Klopp’s opening game in charge of Liverpool was on Saturday, October 17 – a 0-0 draw at Spurs.
It was his first of 272 matches as Liverpool manager across nine separate competitions. He has won 164 of those, while leading the Reds to Champions League, Premier League, Super Cup and Club World Cup glory.