‘I snubbed top clubs for Klopp’
to Chelsea and Man City. When you compare the clubs, you look at the history, the squad, their plans for the near future.
“But the most important thing you look at is the manager – and Jurgen Klopp is an important reason why I chose to play for Liverpool.
“Klopp has something special. Is it his energy? Is it his overall image?
“I sit and think about what he does and what he has more than others. It is his man-management. These days that is more important than anything.
“Klopp gives you this great feeling, he is genuinely happy when you walk into the club in the morning. It may sound daft, but that really inspires you as a player.”
Van Dijk, 28, added: “Jurgen gives every player a hug after the game. It may be a really small detail, yet it feels good.
“And the next day he can hammer you in front of the squad in training. But then you accept that too, because you know it is not personal.
“That way he can demand a lot from us.”