At Thursday’s press conference in Linz, it wasn’t just Jürgen Klopp who defended the press. Likewise, Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk was banned from playing in the last two matches.

The Dutch coach described the period as frustrating, but positive.

– The team spirit is good, and the results are visible. Now that I’m back, I’m looking forward to starting again. “I was lucky enough to have two international games in between, otherwise it would have been a long period without games,” said Van Dijk.

During the summer and start of the season, the 32-year-old had new competition in the center back position. Jarell Quansah has been impressive in recent months, which the captain has certainly noticed.

– He was absolutely fantastic at the weekend (against Wolverhampton). It was a tough match, but he was solid and managed to stay calm. There is something that needs to be built. I am very proud of him.

There are many indications that Quansah will remain in Liverpool’s first team this season. This is the position the Reds have found themselves in in recent years, especially considering the number of injuries.

Against LASK Linz, the 20 year old might get another chance to feature, perhaps alongside Van Dijk?

– He just has to keep working hard and studying. Liverpool is the perfect club for him, with a great environment and a great squad. He will be an important player for us now and in the future, said the captain.

Clear goal setting

There is no doubt that Liverpool is a club worthy of fighting in the Champions League, and this season will be Van Dijk’s first at Anfield without Europe’s most prestigious tournament. It was a disappointment a few months ago, but now it’s forgotten.

– We fought for it, but we didn’t deserve it. We deserve the Europa League, and we will give everything, the captain said clearly.

The goal of the tournament has been set, even though the first match has not yet started. Van Dijk will play the final in Dublin at the end of the season.

– We want to try to bring the trophy home, but of course it won’t happen overnight. “You have to work hard, and that starts tomorrow,” continued the 32-year-old.

According to various bookmakers, Liverpool are the favorites to win this season’s tournament. Van Dijk believes his squad must remain calm and see where it takes them.

– That’s the state of the world today, everything has to be talked about loudly or far down. We started the season well, but there is still a lot to improve. “We have no influence on what is written, so we don’t need to worry either,” he concluded.

Van Dijk and Liverpool meet LASK Linz in the first Europa League match of the autumn season on Thursday evening. This match from Austria can be watched live on V Sport 1 and Viaplay starting at 18.45.