Virgil van Dijk noted that Liverpool must show improvements after an extremely disappointing season, which led to Arne Slot's dismissal as head coach, but he called for patience regarding the new manager, Andoni Iraola.
In the English Premier League match against Newcastle United on Sunday, Liverpool midfielders Alexis Mac Allister, central defender Victor Mignolet, and others are expected to be among the substitutes.
The Reds needed a leveling penalty kick in the 99th minute from Dominik Szoboszlai to save a 2-2 draw against Newcastle in the opening round of the Premier League.
Previously, Slot had led Liverpool to victory and secured the club's 20th championship title in his debut 2024/25 season, but he was dismissed in May due to finishing fifth last season.
Many problems that plagued the team surfaced during Iraola's first match at St James' Park, when Newcastle managed to attack on counterattacks and break through Liverpool's defense. Nevertheless, the team managed to come back into the game twice, avoiding a loss early in the new season.
Van Dijk emphasized that it is normal in any profession for a new manager to arrive with new plans and ideas, and some time is required for new players to adapt. He added that the responsibility lies with the players to do everything possible as quickly as possible, as they strive for improvement, victories, and becoming better.
He stated: 'We need to show the reaction of last year, that we are much better than last year, because it was very unacceptable.'
Andoni Iraola has faced difficulties due to the lack of new signings in the transfer market. Despite the departure of club legend Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike's long-term injury, Liverpool added Spanish winger Victor Mignolet to the attacking positions, as well as defenders Jeremy Jacke and Ronald Araujo.
Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain was listed among potential transfers to Anfield, and two offers for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh were reportedly rejected.
Van Dijk concluded: 'Everyone wants to see the arrival of quality players, and I fully trust the club and the board of directors in making the right decisions. That is all I can say, so let's see what we do.'