EXCLUSIVE - Virgil van Dijk gives honest opinion on new Arne Slot rule at Liverpool

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has admitted he loves Arne Slot's new 'rule' before home matches.

Slot has made a brilliant start to life at Liverpool and has picked up right where Jurgen Klopp left off. Under the Dutchman, Liverpool have lost just one game - a surprise defeat at home against high-flying Nottingham Forest earlier in the year - and are currently two points clear at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand over second-placed Chelsea.

The new Liverpool boss is keeping his feet firmly on the floor, though, and refusing to take all the credit for the club's stunning start to the season. Slot was fortunate to inherit a well-organised and talented squad left behind by 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.

Van Dijk, who flourished under Klopp, is also loving life under the new regime and has been one of the Reds' top performers this season. Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football, Van Dijk admitted he's particularly happy with a new rule Slot has implemented since coming in, which allows players to stay in their own homes rather than at a hotel before a home match.

"It's everyone's own preference, but it's the rules now," Van Dijk said. "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."

That is a change from the previous regime under Klopp. 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.

Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images) Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Van Dijk added: "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 Liverpool captain's comments on being away from his family were especially pertinent when he visited Ronald McDonald House Alder Hey.Van Dijk is working with McDonald’s to raise awareness of fundraising needs for the charity, which offers families a home away from home while their child is in hospital.

“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 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. 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 plenty of admirers this season and is exceeding expectations after a summer of change. His Liverpool side are currently battling on four fronts, with the club top of the Premier League and Champions League tables and battling for both the domestic cups.

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.”

Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk was with McDonald's at Ronald McDonald House Alder Hey - a charity that provides free accommodation to families with ill children in hospital. To donate, round up your order at the McDonald's Kiosk, via the QR code on the festive McCafe cups, on the McDonald's app or at rmhc.org.uk/virgildonate/

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