Virgil van Dijk on talkSPORT: Liverpool star talks Jurgen Klopp, Harry Kane and that special victory over Barcelona

Virgil van Dijk on talkSPORT: Liverpool star talks Jurgen Klopp, Harry Kane and that special victory over Barcelona
Virgil van Dijk spoke exclusively to talkSPORT’s Laura Woods ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League final against Tottenham in Madrid.The PFA Player of the Year opened up on a range of topics, including his relationship with Jurgen Klopp and that special victory over Barcelona at Anfield.talkSPORT9

Virgil van Dijk sat down for an exclusive chat with talkSPORT’s Laura Woods

Looking ahead to the showdown with Spurs, he discussed the heartbreak of last year’s final and explained why it doesn’t matter whether Harry Kane plays.Here are some of the highlights…

---

His relationship with Jurgen Klopp

GETTY9

Klopp and Van Dijk are not afraid to be truthful with each other

“I have a good relationship with him because he just tells you the truth and I will tell him the truth. Thats something I really appreciate.“Sometimes when there is a mistake I did, that no one else sees, he will tell me.“For example, away at Bayern Munich, they scored the equaliser from a ball behind Andy Robertson.“Normally, Im there to protect him, but I didnt. It looked like Andy Robertson was in trouble, so they scored and nobody said it was me.“But at half-time, the manager came in and shouted at me.“I think hes definitely up there with the best coaches Ive had, [Ronald] Koeman was also a very important factor in my career and still is.”

---

The miracle against Barcelona at Anfield

Getty9

Liverpool pulled off an Anfield miracle to beat Barcelona 4-0

“It was a strange one [the first-leg]. We felt like, How could this happen? We played pretty well and they won 3-0.“I remember after the game against Newcaste [the following Saturday], we were on the coach looking at the starting XI from Barca at the weekend, and no one played. So we knew they would be fresh and ready.“When we arrived at the stadium, it felt like it could be a really special night, and it wasnt too bad!“If a team is 3-0 down against Barcelona and they have to turn it around, Im going to think they wont do it.“Messi will score at least one and Suarez will tap one in. Then they have to score five.“It was something to never forget. Everything clicked and everything worked out from start to finish.“Barcelona, they said it in interviews, after the first goal they saw the flashbacks from Rome.”

---

His effect on Joel Matip

GETTY9

Matip has emerged as a rock for Liverpool

“I like to be straight with players. I like when people give me confidence, so I like to give confidence to other players as well.“I know with him, he can be quiet off the pitch, but on the pitch hes a fantastic player. Hes had a fantastic season. Hes been outstanding.“Id rather say too much than nothing at all. It keeps everyone on their toes. It makes you alert and awake.”

---

What changes if Harry Kane starts the Champions League final?

Getty9

Harry Kane looks set to recover from injury and start in Madrid

“We will be preparing on the system theyre going to play because thats the most important thing theyre going to adapt on.“The only thing I will do, when I know the team, is consider their strengths.“They have plenty of players who can make a difference. If its Heung-min Son, Lucas Moura, or Fernando Llorente in a different kind of way, we need to be ready anyway.”

---

Does last year’s defeat to Real Madrid make Liverpool stronger?

GETTY9

Van Dijk finished runner-up with Liverpool in last year’s Champions League

“Weve made big steps as a team, weve bonded together.“Throughout the whole season, weve been playing very consistently. Weve been using the whole squad.“I think were better than last year because weve all made steps and grown as players. Hopefully the experience will help us.“But its one game, 90 minutes, and anything can happen.”

---

Can he get even better?

GETTY9

Van Dijk expects to get even better

“I think I have improved on every aspect of my game. Ive had a lot of experience over the last year.“I think as a central defender you grow as a player.“Theres still more to come. Theres always things to improve, you cant be satisfied with what you have.“You have to keep working. I will definitely look at it when Im having my holiday.”

---

His personality off the pitch

GETTY9

Van Dijk is a completely different person off the pitch

“Im just a bit relaxed. I like to chill and just be myself. Ill always tell the truth and tell you how it is.”

---

How does he respond to criticism?

GETTY9

The Dutchman easily shrugs off criticism

“I know exactly when I make a mistake and need to do something better.“You have pundits and fans from other teams who will say loads of things and it goes past me. Thats life.“Football is a game. Its something I love to do. But there are so many things in life that are more important.“If I keep that in mind, Im fine. Ive learned that over the years.“Im turning 28 in the summer. If it doesnt work this year, I go again next year.”talkSPORT will bring you live commentary of the Champions League final between Tottenham and Liverpool on Saturday

---

Rashford wanted by AC Milan, Liverpool target Brighton star

---

Aaron Ramsey took the North London derby feud with Eric Dier to social media. Dier inspired Spurs' short-lived comeback and provocatively celebrated his leveller with a silence gesture. That sparked a fight between the players involving Ramsey - who watched the match from the bench in the first period.
[Photos] Arsenal star savages Tottenham rival on social media

---

Transfer rumours: Manchester United 'set to sign' Wales starlet, Aaron Wan-Bissaka price tag revealed. All the latest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League
Man Utd transfer news: United encouraged to make another bid

---

If you have any vacation time that you haven't used this year, you may want to consider asking your boss for some time off in June and July as the Copa America, Women's World Cup and CONCACAF Gold Cup all overlap with each other for one of the biggest summer's of soccer ever.
Live soccer TV schedule: How to stream Women's World Cup

---

UEFA release statement on Mauricio Pochettino's Champions League final request. Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has been granted his wish by UEFA ahead of the Champions League final

---

Callum Wilson happy at Bournemouth amid transfer links to Chelsea Coral Barry Saturday 13 Apr 2019 9:09 pm Share this article via facebook Share this article via twitter Share this article via
Callum Wilson 'happy' at Bournemouth amid Chelsea transfer links

---

Swansea Vs Manchester City Swansea City host the first of the New Years Day fixtures when Manchester City visit The Liberty Stadium. The Swans registered a point in their last game at Aston Villa.
Wenger: What is happening at Arsenal's board level is not

---

Newcastle United transfer news: Mike Ashley 'reluctant' to sign Salomon Rondon on permanent deal this summer Mike Ashley is reportedly not keen on making Salomon Rondon a permanent Newcastle United player in the summer. Rondon has been a big hit with the Magpies this season and has nine Premier League goals..
Newcastle United takeover and transfer news LIVE

---

Arsenal vs Tottenham RESULT: North London derby. e-mail by Portuguese police Ugly scenes in Porto ahead by Portuguese police as violence breaks out among 20,000 Three Lions supporters
Arsenal V Tottenham - watch as fight breaks out on pitch

---

Championship round-up: Sheffield United return to top Middlesbrough draw with Derby and West Brom are held by Blackburn for Blackburn denied West Brom a win and the chance to close the gap on
Sheffield United close the gap to Championship leaders

---

match info Fulham vs Southampton: Premier League match preview, team news, predicted line-ups and more
Southampton vs. Fulham: Premier League - Preview and Predictions

---