Virgil van Dijk loves Arne Slot's new rule at Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp change

Virgil van Dijk loves Arne Slot's new rule at Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp change

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been in fine form once again this season and has been speaking about life at Anfield under new manager Arne Slot

Van Dijk has talked about life under Arne Slot (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images )

Virgil van Dijk has expressed his admiration for Arne Slot's fresh approach to the club, particularly praising a new 'rule' ahead of home games. Slot has hit the ground running since taking over at Liverpool, continuing the success Jurgen Klopp established. With only one loss under their belt - an unexpected stumble against Nottingham Forest at home - Liverpool are currently leading the pack in the Premier League, two points clear of second-placed Chelsea with a game in hand.

Slot inherited a supremely talented squad from Klopp, who enjoyed a trophy-laden nine-year tenure at Anfield before leaving to pave the way for the 46-year-old to take over. However, the former Feyenoord coach has instilled his own ideas since coming into the club, and they have so far worked wonders.

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Van Dijk, who thrived under Klopp's guidance, is also relishing the new setup and has been one of the Reds' most formidable players this season. Speaking to the Mirror, Van Dijk expressed his appreciation for Slot's rule switch which now allows players to stay at their own homes instead of a hotel before playing at home.

"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."

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Van Dijk has enjoyed playing under Arne Slot (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images )

Slot hasn't made too many changes since taking over the reins but said he believes both players and staff benefit more from a night in familiar surroundings. Van Dijk also expressed his personal preference after Klopp's pre-match routine was changed. "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."

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Van Dijk's sentiments about family time resonated deeply during his visit to Ronald McDonald House Alder Hey, where he partnered with McDonald's to highlight the charity's fundraising efforts. The charity provides accommodation for families while their child receives hospital treatment.

"As a parent, it's your worst nightmare to have a child in hospital," Van Dijk said. "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 relies on donations to offer free 'home away from home' accommodation to families with sick children in nearby hospitals. The Alder Hey house is separately fundraising for a full refurbishment of its facilities.

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Van Dijk was speaking at Ronald McDonald House Alder Hey

Van Dijk added: "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."

Slot, meanwhile, has won over many fans and punidts alike this season, and is exceeding expectations after a summer of change. Liverpool are currently fighting on four fronts, with the club top of the Premier League and Champions League tables and battling for both the domestic cups.

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In a separate interview, Van Dijk said about his new manager recently: "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."

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