Virgil van Dijk hails Jurgen Klopp’s ‘one club’ approach and squad harmony as Liverpool win Premier League title

Defender has played a pivotal role in the Reds’ title-winning season

Liverpool sealed the Premier League title on Thursday night after Manchester City lost to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Following the game, Virgil van Dijk spoke to BT Sport via video call and explained his feelings at having become league champion and the effect coach Jurgen Klopp has had on the club.

Since signing in January 2018, the Dutch defender has been to two Champions League finals with the club, winning one, and also added the European Super Cup and Club World Cup to his honours list – with the league title now following.

“Unbelievable, what a season so far. [It’s] incredible to be part of this group of players,” he said.

“This journey from when I joined the club. I’m very proud to call myself a Premier League winner.

“I hoped for the best in the first six months and to reach the Champions League final straight away was big boost for me. It was something that helped me a lot.

“The year after, we came very close with the Premier League and we were lucky enough that we could win the Champions League.

“This year we have taken the league to a different level. Everyone can have an opinion but we have been so consistent and doing so well in different parts of our game, even winning in the last couple of minutes of games, and it’s a fantastic feeling and I’m very proud to be a Premier League winner.”

Van Dijk confirmed that he watched the telling match as Chelsea beat City and acknowledged that it was a rare occasion where nerves almost got the better of him.

“Yes, of course I watched it! It was a great first goal from Chelsea and then the game felt like it was taking ages, never-ending!

Chelsea celebrate beating Man City, a result which handed Liverpool the title (Getty)

“The free-kick from Kevin De Bruyne was unbelievable and I was getting more nervous; I haven’t been that nervous in a while.

“After that, it was celebrating together and I can’t even describe it to be honest.”

Van Dijk paid tribute to the “one team” mentality that Jurgen Klopp has fostered, not just among the squad but the “people at Melwood, the workers at the stadium, everyone.”

The defender said the players know the least they can do is to give everything on the pitch and “give all we’ve got” for everyone around the club – and the togetherness of the players has also played a part.

“We all know that we all want to do it for each other and, outside the pitch, to have the bond we have is outstanding as well.”