The skipper speaks, and he means every word

Virgil van Dijk has never been one for empty words. So when Liverpool's captain looks back at last season and calls it flat-out unacceptable, you sit up and listen. Twelve league defeats. Twenty losses across all competitions. A fifth-place finish rescued on the final day. The man who has worn the armband through some of the club's greatest moments in recent memory is not prepared to dress that up as anything other than what it was.

Speaking on the eve of Sunday's Premier League opener at Newcastle United, Van Dijk was direct but composed. "For me personally, being a Liverpool player, last year was unacceptable," he said. "But that is last year. This year we have an opportunity to turn that around, together with our fans. And we all know how tough that will be but if you don't up for the challenge, then you're not at the right place." That last line carries real weight. It is a subtle but unmistakeable message to anyone in that dressing room who might be tempted to ease into the season gently.

A new manager, a new style, and genuine excitement

The backdrop to all of this, of course, is a significant change in the dugout. Arne Slot's disappointing campaign ended with his departure less than a week after the season concluded, and Andoni Iraola was quickly appointed on a two-year deal, arriving as a free agent after leaving Bournemouth. Pre-season has hinted at a more direct, adventurous approach, and Van Dijk, who will be entering his tenth season at the club, says that has him genuinely enthused.

"If you look at Bournemouth last year, I think they were pretty exciting," the Netherlands captain offered, casting an approving eye over what Iraola built on the south coast. That reference point matters. Bournemouth under Iraola were one of the most watchable sides in the Premier League, pressing with intensity and attacking with real purpose. The suggestion that Liverpool could channel something similar, with considerably greater resources, is a tantalising one. Van Dijk's message was clear: the ingredients are there, but the squad has to commit to the work.

Questions at centre-back and in the transfer window

Whilst the mood around the camp sounds positive, there are still decisions to be made. Van Dijk will start the season alongside a new centre-back partner, with Iraola yet to confirm whether £60m signing Jeremy Jacquet or loan arrival Ronald Araujo, who joined from Barcelona earlier this month, will be his choice from the off. It is a meaningful call, and one that will set the tone for how Liverpool line up at the back in the opening weeks.

Beyond the defensive question, the transfer window remains open, and Van Dijk acknowledged that further business could yet shape the squad's capacity to compete. "We need a squad that is able to compete on all four fronts and that's the only way to try to be successful," he said. "Let's see what the last couple of weeks of the transfer window will bring and then let's go for it." That measured optimism feels right for where Liverpool are. The foundations are being rebuilt, the attitude sounds right, and the captain is setting the standard.

"I'm really looking forward to this season," Van Dijk added, "and I don't think we have a point to prove to anyone. We have to show how much we care, how much we want to fight for this badge and also realise how privileged we are to be playing for Liverpool." Sunday at Newcastle will be the first real test of whether words have turned into conviction.