Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk described their 2025-26 season as unacceptable, but is excited for the opportunity to put things right this term. Having won the Premier League title in Arne Slots first season in charge in 2024-25, the Reds endured a hugely disappointing second and ultimately final campaign under the Dutchman despite spending over �400m on reinforcing the squad.Liverpool squeaked into the Champions League via a fifth-placed finish and did not progress beyond the quarter-finals of any cup competition.Slot paid the price as he and club parted ways, with Andoni Iraola replacing him after guiding Bournemouth to European football for the first time in their history.Van Dijk is entering his 10th season as a Liverpool player, and is excited about the challenge of returning to the standards they have set previously in Slots first season and in the decorated tenure of Jurgen Klopp.For me personally, being a Liverpool player, last year was unacceptable, Van Dijk said.But that is last year. This year we have an opportunity to turn that around, together with our fans.And we all know how tough that will be but if you dont get up for the challenge, then youre not at the right place.What I feel at the moment is everyone is up for the challenge. Lets see how we go about it.But Im really looking forward to this season and I dont 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.If you look at Bournemouth last year, 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.Thats the aim, thats 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 thats what I will do, and I encourage everyone to do that as well. Thats what I keep saying to the boys as well so lets see.Compared to last year, Liverpool have been quiet in the transfer market, signing centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, who will likely partner Van Dijk in their season opener at Newcastle United on Sunday, and winger Victor Munoz. Defender Ronald Araujo also arrived on loan from Barcelona.We need a squad that is able to compete on all four fronts and thats the only way to try to be successful, Van Dijk added.Lets see what the last couple of weeks of the transfer window will bring and then lets go for it. Topics Liverpool F.C. Premier League Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Ederson breaks silence on failed Man United medical: I honestly dont know what happened Nicholas McGee 19th August, 2026 Fantasy Premier League 2026/27: Five goalkeepers to target in Gameweek 1 an option for every strategy Blake Hurst 19th August, 2026 Tijjani Reijnders: Man City praise star after move to Al Qadsiah Ben Miller 20th August, 2026 Newcastle confirm Keegan tribute plans for Premier League opener with Liverpool Nicholas McGee 19th August, 2026 Full list of TV Premier League fixtures in October and early November Ben Miller 19th August, 2026 Fantasy Premier League 2026/27: Five low owned differentials to target ahead of Gameweek 1 Blake Hurst 19th August, 2026
