Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has opened up about his relationship with former manager Jurgen Klopp in a candid interview with Man About Town, disclosing that they continue to maintain regular contact even after Klopp left Anfield.
The Dutch defender, who worked under Klopp for nearly nine years, fondly recalled his time alongside the German coach:
From our very first meeting, everything was incredible. He is a very straightforward person. My relationship with him has always been fantastic—from day one right up until the moment he left the club. He means a great deal to me, and we’re still in touch.
Van Dijk also reflected on his record-breaking transfer to Anfield in January 2018, which made him the most expensive defender in football history. It was Klopp’s unwavering faith that helped him cope with the immense external pressure during that time:
There was a lot of talk about the transfer fee, but I distinctly felt the absolute trust the manager had in me.
During his time with Klopp, the Netherlands international enjoyed golden moments in the club's history, winning Premier League glory and the coveted Champions League trophy. While Van Dijk is careful not to single anyone out as his preferred manager, he acknowledged Klopp's substantial influence on his career:
I don’t like to put anyone above others, but Klopp is definitely one of those people who has had the biggest impact on me.
