After captain Virgil van Dijk expressed uncertainty about his future at the team, Jurgen Klopp asked Liverpool supporters not to worry about the future of specific individuals.
Van Dijk responded, “That’s a big question — I don’t know,” when asked if he envisioned himself staying with the team if Klopp left at the conclusion of the season.
Van Dijk was only responding to a question, according to Klopp, who is also certain that the team won’t disintegrate without him.
“No one was aware of my decision until a week ago. Nobody questioned; it was merely, “He has 18 months left on his contract.” Give us a break, please,” Klopp said during a press conference on Tuesday.
“You [the media] can’t wait to ask these kinds of questions, so I knew it would happen. Virgil did not utter, “By the way, what I wanted to say,” out loud. The questions are constantly at the centre.
Write whatever comes to mind. This club is completely stable. I have no doubt that everything will work out.”
The Netherlands international was a key member of Klopp’s team that won the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022, the Champions League in 2019, the Premier League in 2020, and Southampton in 2018. The Netherlands international joined Liverpool in 2018.
The previous summer, after Jordan Henderson moved to Saudi Arabia, he was named captain.
Along with Van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah have contracts that expire in the next 18 months; nevertheless, Klopp has taken steps to convince supporters that there won’t be a mass departure of the team’s players.
“Fans’ worries are frequently not as serious as the media may portray them to be. You undervalue the intelligence of our fans,” Klopp remarked.
“They are aware that situations like these arise. Right now, there’s nothing to be concerned about. We are in this season, and all of these discussions may contribute to its eventual demise. It never changes.
“Things require time, particularly the important things. Everything is alright. Remain calm.
The boys adore this location. I am positive about that.”
Salah sustained a hamstring injury during the African Cup of Nations while playing for Egypt, and Klopp stated they will not push him to recover quickly.
Other than his desire to get fit as soon as possible, he wasn’t under any pressure. But we take our time,” Klopp remarked.
“Thiago wouldn’t have missed ten months of play if you could have sped up the mending process. You do what you can, and we have to wait while you finish.
“Neither this game nor the next have Mo ready. He is hurt, and it takes time to heal a muscle damage.”
Liverpool, who lead the Premier League by five points above Manchester City, will welcome Chelsea back to Anfield on Wednesday in an attempt to continue their winning streak.
Mauricio Pochettino, the manager of Chelsea, stated that every Anfield match will be a “party” for Liverpool supporters until the end of the season, but he also stated that his team will not be taking part in the festivities on Wednesday.
“This is a special game for Klopp. It will always be exceptional till the very end, Pochettino stated at his press conference on Tuesday.
“There will always be a celebration after their games at Anfield. However, we are considering going there to win the match. Apologies, but we would rather not to participate in the festivities.”
Christopher Nkunku and Malo Gusto, two forwards for Chelsea, will travel to Anfield, according to Pochettino. Nicolas Jackson, who left Senegal on Monday, may also join the team if he can make it back from the African Cup of Nations in time.
