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Liverpool Eyes Premier League Title as Van Dijk Contract Talks Loom
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has emphasized that the club’s sole objective is to secure the necessary victories to clinch the Premier League title. This statement comes after defender Virgil van Dijk hinted that discussions regarding his contract extension could reach a resolution this week. The focus remains firmly on the pitch as Liverpool chase Premier League glory.
Van Dijk’s Decisive Goal and Contract Update
Virgil van Dijk propelled Liverpool to a narrow triumph over West Ham with a late header in the 89th minute. The captain celebrated the crucial goal by kissing the Liverpool badge in front of the Kop, underscoring his commitment to the club. This victory means Liverpool now needs just six more points from their remaining matches to guarantee the Premier League championship.
When questioned about his contract situation, drawing parallels with Mohamed Salah’s extension, Van Dijk stated, “I can tell you I’m very proud today to captain my 100th game for Liverpool. And it was an emotional day, because of the Hillsborough anniversary.”
He added, “The main focus was to get three points, and get a little closer to all of our dreams. Everyone knows how much I love this club, and let’s see what next week will look like,” suggesting potential developments in his contract negotiations.
Slot Prioritizes Premier League Fixtures Over Contract Discussions
However, manager Arne Slot downplayed any discussions surrounding Van Dijk’s contract extension, stressing that the immediate priority is on upcoming fixtures and securing Premier League points.
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“I think he means let’s see what next week brings when we play Leicester City because that, at this moment in time, is by far the biggest thing this club is looking at,” Slot clarified, highlighting the importance of the next match.
“Two more wins and the first 32 games have shown us how difficult it is – not only for us but for every team – to win a game of football. The competition has never been as strong as it is this season and that’s what makes it so hard to win a game of football,” Slot explained, acknowledging the intense competition in the Premier League.
“We still have to win two, so we should be completely focused on that. If in the meantime a contract extension happens [then fine] but my full focus is on Leicester and I’m sure Virgil’s is as well,” he concluded, reinforcing his concentration on the immediate challenge of winning their next Premier League encounter.
Relief After Hard-Fought Victory Against West Ham
Slot acknowledged that Van Dijk’s winning goal brought “a big relief,” especially after a challenging match where Liverpool relied on goalkeeper Alisson’s saves and conceded a late own goal. “After West Ham scored and the way the second half went it felt to me that West Ham could score again,” the Liverpool head coach admitted. “But our fans and players thought differently.”
West Ham’s Manager Praises Team’s Performance Despite Loss
Despite the defeat, West Ham manager Graham Potter lauded his team’s performance, particularly in the second half, as their best display under his management. “The performance was really positive, probably the best since we have been here,” Potter stated.
“The balance between defence and attack was good against the best team in the league. We showed resilience which hasn’t always been there and grew into the game,” Potter added, pointing to the positive aspects of West Ham’s performance against the Premier League contenders.