Liverpool Dutch defender, Virgil Van Dijk, has said, the commencement of a new season comes with excitement.
The Netherlands international made the statement at his press conference ahead of the Premier League 2025/26 opener against AFC Bournemouth on Friday night.
Van Dijk said, “the start of a new season is always exciting”; Liverpool will welcome AFC Bournemouth at Anfield for the Premier League match on Friday 15 August, 2025 at 20:00 (WAT).
Arne Slot’s Reds will be looking to retain their Premier League title after winning the 2024/25 season.
The centre-back expressed “disappointment” following Liverpool’s loss in the FA Community Shield 2025 last weekend. The Reds fell to Crystal Palace 3-2 in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw.
He said, “we were disappointed with the way the FA Community Shield ended”, adding, “it is never nice to miss out on a trophy”.
According to the Club’s official website, Van Dijk said:
On the new season…
“The start of a new season is always exciting, and this year is no different as we begin our journey to try to retain our Premier League title.
“I can’t wait to see and hear you all this evening as we welcome a very good Bournemouth side to our home. There’s nothing quite like Anfield under the lights, and we are all really looking forward to getting back out there.
““I know that you guys, as ever, will be right behind us, and that noise, colour and support will be extremely important for us over the course of the season, as it was last year.
“In my opinion, there is a lot to be excited for this season. Of course, we were disappointed with the way the FA Community Shield ended for us at Wembley last weekend – it is never nice to miss out on a trophy – but in a general sense I feel like we are in good shape heading into the new campaign.
“Mentality, as ever, will be vitally important if we are to have a successful season.”
On AFC Bournemouth…
“In terms of Bournemouth, we know that they will provide a tough test. They have a good manager and good players, and we will need to be ready to compete and to fight from the first whistle, as we will in every game we play this season.
“I don’t need to remind anyone of the strength of the Premier League, we saw that last season and we saw it against Crystal Palace at Wembley. This is, in my opinion, the toughest and most competitive league in the world, and it challenges you in every single game you play.”
On special tributes to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva…
“Tonight, of course, will be the first Premier League game we have played since we lost Diogo and Andre. It will be a very emotional occasion for everybody associated with the club, and especially for Diogo’s wife, Rute, their children and his family, who will be in attendance this evening.”
Photo: Liverpool defender, Virgil Van Dijk | Liverpool FC
