Virgil van Dijk tells uncommitted Liverpool teammates to leave the club
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has warned his teammates to leave the club if they are not fully committed following last season’s dismal campaign that resulted in manager Arne Slot’s dismissal.
The Reds finished fifth last term to narrowly secure Champions League qualification during a turbulent year.
That poor run of form ultimately saw Slot sacked just 12 months after guiding the Merseyside outfit to their second Premier League title.
Now, the towering Dutch defender has labelled their previous 2025-26 season as completely unacceptable.
A fresh start under Iraola
Speaking ahead of the new campaign, the veteran centre-back challenged the current squad to embrace the mounting pressure.
“If you’re not up for the challenge, then you’re not at the right place.”
The 33-year-old emphasised the privilege of representing the Anfield side and urged players to fight for the badge.
“What I feel at the moment is everyone is up for the challenge.”
He added that the squad must keep believing and working hard to deliver an exciting style of play under their new manager.
Rebuilding the squad
Sweeping changes have already occurred ahead of Andoni Iraola’s debut season in the Anfield dugout.
Club legends Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson have departed, while Ibrahima Konate secured a permanent switch to Real Madrid.
To compensate for these high-profile exits, the hierarchy has secured Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet.
Furthermore, Uruguayan international Ronald Araujo has arrived on a season-long loan from Barcelona.
“We need a squad that is able to compete on all four fronts and that’s the only way to try to be successful.”
With the transfer deadline fast approaching, the former Southampton man remains focused on strengthening.
“Let’s see what the last couple of weeks of the transfer window will bring and then let’s go for it.”