Virgil van Dijk admits uncertainty over Liverpool future after Jurgen Klopp departure

Klopp announced on Friday he will be standing down as Liverpool manager at the end of the 2023/24 season, though had told the club of his plans back in November.

The Reds took to the pitch for the first time since the announcement on Sunday with a comprehensive 5-2 win at home to Norwich City – who are managed by Klopp’s close friend David Wagner – in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Club captain Van Dijk was on the scoresheet on an emotional day at Anfield and he fronted up to the press post-match. He was asked whether he saw himself still at Liverpool once Klopp is gone.

“That’s a big question. Well, I don’t know,” the Dutchman replied.

Van Dijk is one of several key Liverpool players whose contracts expire in the summer of 2025 – a fact that was put to him in the next question he faced.

“That is correct – good maths! Listen, I don’t know,” he continued.

“The club will have a big job on their hands. That is well known. To replace the manager and replace not only the manager, the staff is leaving, and there are so many things that will change.

“So the club has a big job on its hands and I am very curious which direction that will go in. But when that will be announced we will see our situation. I can’t say much about it.”

He added: “Obviously it will be the end of Jurgen Klopp’s era. I am very glad that I am still part of it. That is why I don’t like to speak about it. I am still part of it.

“That is my main focus and we will see at the end of the season. Hopefully, we have the success that we all dream of and fight for each day and, by then, there will probably be more clarification for what the club wants for the future and then we will see.”

Liverpool are still competing on four fronts this season and have a great chance to win more silverware before Klopp signs off from the job. They face Chelsea in the final of the Carabao Cup next month and also sit top of the Premier League.

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