Virgil van Dijk spoke exclusively to talkSPORT’s Laura Woods ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League final against Tottenham in Madrid.
The PFA Player of the Year opened up on a range of topics, including his relationship with Jurgen Klopp and that special victory over Barcelona at Anfield.
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Virgil van Dijk sat down for an exclusive chat with talkSPORT’s Laura Woods
Looking ahead to the showdown with Spurs, he discussed the heartbreak of last year’s final and explained why it doesn’t matter whether Harry Kane plays.
Here are some of the highlights…
His relationship with Jurgen Klopp
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Klopp and Van Dijk are not afraid to be truthful with each other
“I have a good relationship with him because he just tells you the truth and I will tell him the truth. That’s something I really appreciate.
“Sometimes when there is a mistake I did, that no one else sees, he will tell me.
“For example, away at Bayern Munich, they scored the equaliser from a ball behind Andy Robertson.
“Normally, I’m there to protect him, but I didn’t. It looked like Andy Robertson was in trouble, so they scored and nobody said it was me.
“But at half-time, the manager came in and shouted at me.
“I think he’s definitely up there with the best coaches I’ve had, [Ronald] Koeman was also a very important factor in my career and still is.”
The miracle against Barcelona at Anfield
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Liverpool pulled off an Anfield miracle to beat Barcelona 4-0
“It was a strange one [the first-leg]. We felt like, ‘How could this happen?’ We played pretty well and they won 3-0.
“I remember after the game against Newcaste [the following Saturday], we were on the coach looking at the starting XI from Barca at the weekend, and no one played. So we knew they would be fresh and ready.
“When we arrived at the stadium, it felt like it could be a really special night, and it wasn’t too bad!
“If a team is 3-0 down against Barcelona and they have to turn it around, I’m going to think they won’t do it.
“Messi will score at least one and Suarez will tap one in. Then they have to score five.
“It was something to never forget. Everything clicked and everything worked out from start to finish.
“Barcelona, they said it in interviews, after the first goal they saw the flashbacks from Rome.”
His effect on Joel Matip
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Matip has emerged as a rock for Liverpool
“I like to be straight with players. I like when people give me confidence, so I like to give confidence to other players as well.
“I know with him, he can be quiet off the pitch, but on the pitch he’s a fantastic player. He’s had a fantastic season. He’s been outstanding.
“I’d rather say too much than nothing at all. It keeps everyone on their toes. It makes you alert and awake.”
What changes if Harry Kane starts the Champions League final?
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Harry Kane looks set to recover from injury and start in Madrid
“We will be preparing on the system they’re going to play – because that’s the most important thing they’re going to adapt on.
“The only thing I will do, when I know the team, is consider their strengths.
“They have plenty of players who can make a difference. If it’s Heung-min Son, Lucas Moura, or Fernando Llorente in a different kind of way, we need to be ready anyway.”
Does last year’s defeat to Real Madrid make Liverpool stronger?
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Van Dijk finished runner-up with Liverpool in last year’s Champions League
“We’ve made big steps as a team, we’ve bonded together.
“Throughout the whole season, we’ve been playing very consistently. We’ve been using the whole squad.
“I think we’re better than last year because we’ve all made steps and grown as players. Hopefully the experience will help us.
“But it’s one game, 90 minutes, and anything can happen.”
Can he get even better?
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Van Dijk expects to get even better
“I think I have improved on every aspect of my game. I’ve had a lot of experience over the last year.
“I think as a central defender you grow as a player.
“There’s still more to come. There’s always things to improve, you can’t be satisfied with what you have.
“You have to keep working. I will definitely look at it when I’m having my holiday.”
His personality off the pitch
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Van Dijk is a completely different person off the pitch
“I’m just a bit relaxed. I like to chill and just be myself. I’ll always tell the truth and tell you how it is.”
How does he respond to criticism?
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The Dutchman easily shrugs off criticism
“I know exactly when I make a mistake and need to do something better.
“You have pundits and fans from other teams who will say loads of things and it goes past me. That’s life.
“Football is a game. It’s something I love to do. But there are so many things in life that are more important.
“If I keep that in mind, I’m fine. I’ve learned that over the years.
“I’m turning 28 in the summer. If it doesn’t work this year, I go again next year.”
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