Virgil van Dijk gives verdict on new 'rule' Arne Slot has enforced at Liverpool

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has expressed his fondness for Arne Slot’s new ‘rule’ ahead of home games. Slot has made an impressive start at Liverpool, continuing where Jurgen Klopp left off.

Under the Dutchman’s leadership, Liverpool have suffered only one defeat – a surprising loss at home to Nottingham Forest earlier this year – and currently lead the Premier League by two points, with a game in hand over Chelsea in second place. Despite the club’s fantastic start to the season, Slot remains grounded and refuses to take all the credit.

He was lucky to inherit a well-structured and talented team from Klopp, who had a successful nine-year stint at Anfield before making way for the 46-year-old. Van Dijk, who thrived under Klopp, is also enjoying the new management and has been one of Liverpool’s standout players this season.

In an exclusive interview with Mirror Football, Van Dijk revealed his appreciation for a new rule implemented by Slot, which allows players to stay at home instead of a hotel before a home game. “It’s everyone’s own preference, but it’s the rules now,” said Van Dijk.

“Personally, I like to sleep in my own bed and be with my family, and so it works out quite well. But what we did in the past worked out quite well, too, as we’ve been very successful in terms of winning.

“Personally, at this stage of my life, I definitely like to be as much at home as possible. And I’ve got all the resources to get myself ready in terms of recovery, whether it’s a pool, sauna, ice bath, or anything else I need to get ready.

“Obviously, we travel quite a lot [as well]; FaceTime is a big tool that could sort of keep you a little with your family. But this year, the regime has changed, and we have a little bit more time to be home and not spending time in too many hotels, and it gives you a little bit more time to be with your family.”

The Dutch defender highlighted the significance of family during his visit to Ronald McDonald House Alder Hey, where he partnered with McDonald’s to support the charity that provides accommodation for families with hospitalised children.

Van Dijk shared his empathy for affected parents: “As a parent, it’s your worst nightmare to have a child in hospital. The idea of having to be separated from them at such a traumatic time is unthinkable.

“It was my pleasure to visit families at the Ronald McDonald House Alder Hey with McDonald’s, and hearing about the lifeline the House plays for families every day, keeping them close by whilst children receive urgent treatment in hospital.”

Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, which provides essential ‘home away from home’ accommodation for families with sick children in nearby hospitals, is powered by the generosity of donors. The Alder Hey house is currently on a mission to raise funds for a comprehensive refurbishment of its facilities.

Van Dijk praised the charity, saying: “From the caring team of staff to the bedrooms and kitchen facilities, the House really has made a ‘home away from home’ for those living through their worst nightmare.

“Please do donate to this amazing charity via McDonald’s this Christmas, so the Charity can continue its work.”

Meanwhile, Slot’s management at Liverpool has garnered widespread admiration as he surpasses expectations amidst a season of transformation. His squad is fiercely competing across all fronts, leading the charge in both the Premier League and Champions League, while also contending for domestic cup glory.

In another conversation, Van Dijk expressed his thoughts on his new manager: “I think the step from, with all respect, the Dutch league to the Premier League is a big one in terms of being a player, but for a manager, it is exactly the same.

“He has done very well so far, and he has, in my opinion, inherited a very good squad not only as football players but as human beings – guys who will go to war for each other – and I think he has been so far so good.

“He makes sure we keep working, are not satisfied, focus on what is ahead of us next, and keep improving. You see the patterns we try to do, you see, we can change in games or at half-time, and it’s obviously a big credit to him.”