Trent Alexander-Arnold has shared what Virgil van Dijk said to the Liverpool players immediately after Jurgen Klopp told the squad that he would be leaving his role as manager at the end of the season.
In one of the dullest January transfer windows in history, it was news concerning a managerial change which made the most headlines at the start of the year.
Jurgen Klopp left everyone stunned by announcing that he will be leaving Anfield in the summer. Of course, Klopp has added his name to the pantheon of legendary Liverpool managers during his time on Merseyside.
What arguably made the news even more shocking was the fact that Liverpool have been enjoying such an incredible campaign. They remain in two competitions, with the Carabao Cup already won.
Liverpool currently sit at the top of the Premier League table. And it would take a brave person to bet against the Reds winning the Europa League.
Certainly, the news of Klopp’s departure has not derailed Liverpool’s campaign. And it seems that Virgil van Dijk has played an important role in making sure that the news did not knock them off of their stride.
Trent Alexander-Arnold shares what Virgil van Dijk told Liverpool squad when Jurgen Klopp announced his departure
In comments reported by The Athletic, Trent Alexander-Arnold told Jamie Carragher how Klopp’s decision has given the players additional motivation.
“100 per cent. That was something that Virgil said to us all after Jurgen had told us. He said: ‘This is huge news that’s going to rock the footballing world but we can’t let it distract us, we have to use it as motivation,” he said.
“The manager has led us to so much success, he’s enabled us to fulfil our dreams, so we owe it to him to give everything we possibly can to give him the best send-off’. Virg said if people think this is going to make us take our eye off the ball then we need to prove them wrong. It was big news but as professionals, you have to get your head around it quickly and move on.”
Reds captain leading by example
There is absolutely no question that van Dijk has set the example. He took over the captaincy in the summer following Jordan Henderson’s surprise and short-lived move to Saudi Arabia.
And van Dijk’s performance in the Carabao Cup final is going to be remembered for a long time to come. It was fitting that the Dutchman scored the only goal at Wembley.
Liverpool have dealt with a raft of injuries this season, with Alexander-Arnold himself currently sidelined.
But there is a feeling that there is something special happening at Liverpool, with the squad desperate to send Klopp off into the sunset in the best possible way.
It is hard to not be inspired by what they are currently achieving.
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