Liverpool news: Virgil van Dijk fully focused on Carabao Cup final as future doubts remain

By Simon Wilkes

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has vowed to ‘give it everything’ as they look to put their European heartache behind them ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.

The Dutchman’s future at Anfield is unclear as he is out of contract this summer, and has yet to agree a new deal with the Merseyside giants.

More glory to hunt

Arne Slot’s Reds are licking their wounds after exiting the Champions League in midweek following a penalty shootout defeat by Paris Saint-Germain.

But they don’t have time to feel sorry for themselves and have a chance to win some silverware on Sunday, March 16, when they take on Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United at Wembley.

Liverpool are also well on the way to winning the Premier League trophy in Slot’s first season as manager.

In their pursuit, the Reds’ captain, Van Dijk, has urged his team-mates to ‘recover’ their confidence and composure.

“There are two big prizes we can still get,” he said. “We are going to give it everything. We have to feel the disappointment but then it is about recovery. 

“Be ready for a good one. If we bring this intensity in Wembley with our fans, then I am positive. I am always positive. But I am really looking forward to being back out there.”

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Full focus amidst a sea of uncertainties

The Dutch international, meanwhile, insists his full focus is on matters on the pitch, rather than off it.

It could well be a summer of change at Anfield, as talisman Mo Salah and England international Trent Alexander-Arnold are also out of contract.

Dominant defender Van Dijk said of his future when asked by reporters: “Genuinely. I have no idea at the moment. It is not on hold. Nothing is on hold. 

“There’s just…I keep saying the same thing. Listen, there are 10 games to go [this season] and that is my full focus.

“If there is news, you guys will know it. But I don’t even know myself. 

“Everyone knows there are some conversations behind the scenes but that is about it.

“At the moment I don’t even know what will happen next year. If anyone says they do know, they are lying to your face.”

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