VIRGIL VAN DIJK has thrown his Liverpool future into doubt following Jurgen Klopp’s announcement that he will step down as manager.
The centre-back has just 18 months remaining on his contract and he refused to commit his long-term future to the club.
Van Dijk, 32, was asked if he will be part of the next era at Anfield after Klopp leaves at the end of the season.
He replied saying: “That’s a big question. I don’t know.
“The club will have a big job on their hands. To replace not only the manager but the whole staff, there are so many things that will change.
“I’m very curious which direction that will go in but when that will be announced we will see our situation. I can’t say much about it.
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“Obviously it will be the end of Jurgen Klopp’s era. I am very glad that I am still part of it. That is why I don’t like to speak about it. I am still part of it.
“That is my main focus and we will see at the end of the season. Hopefully, we have the success that we all dream of and fight for each day and, by then, there will probably be more clarification for what the club wants for the future and then we will see.”
Several key figures are set to leave the club including sporting director Jorg Schmadtke and coaches Pep Lijnders, Peter Krawietz and Vitor Matos.
It appears Van Dijk is waiting to see who arrives as their replacements before deciding his future.
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But he was adamant the squad’s mentality is still the same following Klopp’s decision to step down.
He added: “Nothing has really changed. Obviously things will change at the end of the season and in the new season but at the moment it doesn’t and we have to keep doing the same things.
“It’s easier said than done but I sense the rest of the boys think like that as well and it is the job for me to ensure we keep it that way. Today [Norwich match] was a good day. The manager said it in his press conference: ask everything there and then we go back to focusing on what we want to achieve.
“That’s how I see it as well. We can speak about the situation about what will happen next year every week but it doesn’t change. It’s noise we don’t need and that’s why we focus on getting the job done and that’s why I feel nothing has changed.
“It is still the same but at the end of the season there will be different things happening of course but that is for the club to sort out.”
Former Red Xabi Alonso is the favourite to take over at Anfield following his success with Bayer Leverkusen, guiding the German club to the Bundesliga summit.
While Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou are also understood to be on Liverpool’s radar.
Van Dijk’s illustrious Anfield career
By Tony Robertson
VIRGIL VAN DIJK has been one of the best defenders in world football since joining Liverpool in January 2018.
The Dutchman, 32, became the club captain this season following the exit of Jordan Henderson, though he has always been a central figure of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
He helped the Reds end their 30-year English league title drought and has also helped to deliver the Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.
Individual awards have also been no stranger to the imperious defender.
He has been named in the PFA Player of the Year three times, the Uefa Team of the Year three times, Fifa FIFPRO World XI three times and been named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season. He also finished runner up in the Ballon d’Or in 2019.
His Liverpool record, with 246 appearances and 21 goals, has seen him named the Reds Players’ Player of the Season and Fans’ Player of the Season.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
