A captain carries the weight of his team, and Virgil van Dijk is no different. You could feel the sting after Liverpool’s 2-1 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Watching Arsenal snatch the top spot in the league must have twisted the knife even deeper. The big defender didn’t hide his frustration; it was etched on his face and clear in his words.
Van Dijk spoke plainly, “I’ve said it many times: this season will be tough.” He hinted at more than just what happens on the pitch, pointing to challenges outside the game itself. “We used to be the ones grabbing those late wins,” he added, a hint of irony in his voice. “Now we’re on the other side. It’s just so typical.” This isn’t just a captain talking; it’s a leader feeling the tide turn.
This recent slip isn’t just one bad game. Liverpool has now endured three straight defeats – against Palace, Galatasaray, and Chelsea. For Arne Slot, this kind of losing run is uncharted territory in his managerial career. It’s certainly a tough start for the new boss. Because of these results, Liverpool has slid to second place in the championship. Arsenal, who seem to be finding their rhythm, took advantage by beating West Ham, led by Nuno Espírito Santo, 2-0 just yesterday.