Virgil van Dijk says Liverpool have developed a steely determination to put last season behind them as they prepare to begin a new Premier League campaign.
The Reds travel to Newcastle United on Sunday for the opening game of the 2026-27 season, with Andoni Iraola set to take charge of Liverpool in competitive football for the first time.
It is a fresh chapter for a Liverpool side that endured a disappointing campaign last term.
Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League last season with 60 points — a huge contrast to the previous campaign when they lifted the league title.
For Van Dijk, however, there is little value in continuing to dwell on what went wrong.
The Liverpool captain believes the new season presents an opportunity for the squad to respond, with supporters also expected to play a major role in driving the team forward.
“For me personally, being a Liverpool player, last year was unacceptable. But that is last year. This year we have an opportunity to turn that around, together with our fans,” Van Dijk said.
“We all know how tough that will be but if you [are not] up for the challenge then you’re not at the right place. What I feel at the moment is everyone is up for the challenge. Let’s see how we go about it.
“But I’m really looking forward to this season and I don’t think we have a point to prove to anyone.
“We have to show how much we care, how much we want to fight for this badge and also realise how privileged we are to be playing for Liverpool.”
The arrival of Iraola brings another layer of intrigue to Liverpool’s new campaign.
The Spaniard impressed during his time at Bournemouth, and Van Dijk believes the style and energy associated with Iraola’s previous team provide reason for optimism.
Liverpool’s captain is now challenging his teammates to embrace the demands that come with competing at the highest level.
He added: “If you look at Bournemouth last year [under Iraola], I think they were pretty exciting.
“I would say if we keep working, keep believing, keep showing our quality, staying fit and hopefully win a lot of games, then we can be very excited. That’s the aim, that’s what we fight for, but we all know how tough it is.
“We all know how tough it is to be playing Premier League football, to be playing on all four fronts, but you have to embrace it. You have to enjoy the ride.
“We are all so blessed here and we have to keep going and enjoy it and that’s what I will do, and I encourage everyone to do that as well.
“That’s what I keep saying to the boys as well, so let’s see.”
Liverpool’s opening assignment could hardly be described as straightforward.
Newcastle away represents a demanding start, particularly with Iraola stepping into a new competitive environment and Liverpool attempting to rebuild their momentum after a difficult previous campaign.
But Van Dijk’s message is clear: Liverpool are not entering the season weighed down by the past.
Instead, the captain sees a squad ready to compete, fight for the badge and embrace the pressure that comes with challenging across multiple competitions.
The first test arrives at St James’ Park. The Reds now have 90 minutes to turn the talk of a fresh start into action.
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