Liverpool’s Dutch footballers, including Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, and Virgil van Dijk, are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their compatriot Arne Slot as the new manager of the English club, according to Reuters. Van Dijk, who has taken over the captain’s armband following Jordan Henderson’s departure, has expressed his full support for Slot, who is set to replace the legendary Jürgen Klopp.
Van Dijk, speaking at the start of the Netherlands’ training camp ahead of the European Championship, emphasized his commitment to backing the new manager: “I have one more year on my contract. I am the club captain, and I have made it clear that I will support the new coach in any way I can. I am looking forward to the start of the next season,” he said. He acknowledged the upcoming changes within the team but remains optimistic about their prospects: “There will be changes in the team, but I am confident that we can achieve success with them. I have already spoken with him about the team and the future. For now, however, I am fully focused on my national team and the upcoming European Championship.”
Virgil van Dijk on talks with Arne Slot:
“I didn’t feel like this was a farewell conversation and I think he also sees me in Liverpool 2.0. I got the feeling that he’s happy that I’m still there and will be there next season, so that I can help him where necessary. This allows… pic.twitter.com/m22n7I5TV0
— The Anfield Talk (@TheAnfieldTalk) May 28, 2024
Ryan Gravenberch, who joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich last summer, is also confident in Slot’s abilities, citing his successful tenure at Feyenoord where he won both the league title and the cup in the past two years. “I think he can have a positive impact on my career. He is a coach who wants his team to play good football,” the 22-year-old midfielder said.
With Slot’s imminent arrival, the Dutch contingent at Liverpool appears to be optimistic about the new direction and the potential for continued success under his leadership.