Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has given his verdict on his side’s disappointing 2022/23 season after missing out on top-four finish.
The Reds ended their campaign with a 4-4 draw against already-relegated Southampton as they finished fifth in the Premier League, four points behind fourth-placed Newcastle United.
Jurgen Klopp’s side won’t be competing in the Champions League for the first time in seven years since the German took over from Brendan Rodgers in 2016.
The 55-year-old has led the Merseysiders to three Champions League finals and won one – beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in Madrid courtesy of goals from Mohamed Salah and Divock Origi.
Van Dijk said speaking to Dutch news outlet NOS via SportWitness: “I have had a turbulent season and I am happy that the last three months went well. I am comfortable in my skin again and am consistent.”
“That’s also what I was used to in the last five years. It was a shock that it was not consistent enough as a team this year.
“You can only come out of it by dealing with it, inside and outside the pitch. I think I was able to do that well, with help from my wife and people at the club. I’m happy with that.”
He added: “To give an example, against (Manchester) United we won 7-0, but then the next game at Bournemouth you lose 1-0. That’s just very frustrating. Then you look for answers and your form.”
“It went too much with ups and downs, but that’s also part of an athlete’s life. You cannot perform at your absolute best every game.”
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