Virgil van Dijk remains grounded despite Liverpool’s impressive start to the Premier League campaign, sharing head coach Arne Slot’s belief that it’s far too early to start dreaming of a title.
Van Dijk Agrees with Arnie Slot: Liverpool’s Title Chances Won’t Be Clear Until December
The Dutch defender, speaking after the Reds’ gritty 2-1 victory over Wolves, emphasized the importance of waiting until December before making any bold claims about their chances.
Liverpool’s victory at Molineux saw them leapfrog Arsenal and Manchester City to the top of the table, continuing their strong form under Slot.
The Dutch manager, who took over this summer, has guided Liverpool to five wins in their first six league games. While fans might be beginning to whisper about a title challenge, Van Dijk is urging patience.
“We have a very good squad,” Van Dijk said after the game,
“a mixture of experience and talent, and players who are at a great stage in their careers. It’s nice to see how we’re playing, but it’s still very early. Mo [Mohamed Salah] was working hard all over the pitch, even heading balls away in defense. That’s the level of commitment we need from everyone.”
However, Van Dijk was quick to downplay the significance of being at the top of the table in September. He pointed out that the real tests come in the winter, particularly in December, when squads are tested by injuries, fatigue, and fixture congestion.
“December is always a crucial month,” he explained.
“The teams that come through that period well, with wins and without major injuries, are the ones who usually go on to succeed. Let’s see where we are by then.”
Van Dijk’s measured approach mirrors that of Arne Slot, who has also played down any early excitement. Slot, aware of the pressure that comes with following a successful manager, has maintained a pragmatic attitude since arriving at Anfield.
He made it clear before the Wolves match that Liverpool’s true standing in the title race will only become apparent after they’ve played everyone once.
“Six games into the season doesn’t give you a realistic view of the league table,” Slot said.
“It’s more like after 19 games when you can assess where we are. But getting some early wins helps build confidence, especially when you’re a new manager stepping into a big role. If we had lost four or five of these first six games, it would have been a very different story.”
For Slot and Van Dijk, the focus remains on consistency rather than early accolades. They understand that the season is a marathon, not a sprint, and both have their eyes set on the challenges ahead.
Liverpool’s upcoming matches, particularly their Champions League clash against Bologna on Wednesday, will be another test of their squad’s resilience.
After that, they travel to Crystal Palace in what promises to be another tough encounter. While fans might be eager to discuss title hopes, Van Dijk and Slot are keeping their feet firmly on the ground, knowing the true challenges are yet to come.
For now, Liverpool’s early success is promising, but the road ahead is long, and Van Dijk’s cautious optimism reflects a team that knows the importance of staying focused in the face of early praise.
