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Captain message looms after Van Dijk plans Liverpool meeting

Originally posted on Empire of the Kop
By Peter Kenny Jones | Last updated Jan 19, 2026 4:54 AM ET

Liverpool’s response to another frustrating afternoon may not come on the pitch, but behind closed doors as our captain prepares to address the squad.

With draws beginning to shape the narrative around our season, Virgil van Dijk is expected to hold a players’ meeting at the AXA Training Centre following the 1–1 with Burnley.

The report, via Sky Sports, points to leadership rather than panic, with the Netherlands international determined to confront standards internally rather than allow frustration to linger.

This is not about one result, but about how we respond collectively.

Van Dijk leadership comes to the fore at Liverpool again

According to Sky Sports, the centre-back was unhappy with the sloppiness that crept in after the hour mark against Burnley, particularly given how dominant we were for long spells.

“I’m frustrated that after 60 minutes we started to become sloppy and it’s not the first time,” the 34-year-old said.

That frustration carried weight because it followed a performance where we generated chances at volume but failed to turn control into victory.

Liverpool registered 15 shots in the first half alone, with Florian Wirtz continuing his fine run after being teed up by Curtis Jones, yet one lapse proved costly.

This is not the first time the captain has intervened this season either.

After defeat to Manchester United in October, Van Dijk called a similar meeting during a difficult run, underlining how seriously he takes responsibility for direction within the group.

That sense of accountability has been reflected in his public words too, where he admitted there was “something lacking” while also stressing the need for unity during a demanding spell – after the draw with Burnley.

Why Van Dijk meeting matters before Marseille test

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Timing matters.

We now head to Marseille in the Champions League knowing that small margins can quickly become defining ones, particularly away from home against a Roberto De Zerbi side.

Van Dijk referenced that challenge directly, saying: “Monday will be a big one for it because Wednesday will be a very difficult game over there.”

The Dutch defender was also clear that solutions must be collective.

“It’s not about me addressing it, it is about how can we solve it because we all want to win games,” he added.

That mindset aligns with what Jeremie Frimpong has already said about Van Dijk’s influence, describing him as both a leader and a presence players naturally respond to.

It also reinforces why he remains the right man to wear the armband during a period of transition under our head coach in his second season.

With the squad given Sunday off, highlighted by Van Dijk attending the NBA in London, the reset begins now.

Turning draws into wins will define our season, and once again, our captain is setting the tone.

This article first appeared on Empire of the Kop and was syndicated with permission.

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