Virgil van Dijk (captain of Liverpool FC) has expressed the urgent need for extensive behind-the-scenes work this summer following a disappointing season that saw the team suffer 18 defeats, including a recent loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford. This defeat marked the first time in a decade that Liverpool has lost both league matches against Manchester United in a single season. Currently, Liverpool holds a six-point lead in the race for Champions League qualification with three matches remaining, starting with a home game against Chelsea. Van Dijk is confident in the squad's quality but emphasizes that significant changes are necessary to ensure this season is not repeated. He also addressed criticisms regarding the team's training schedule and the perception that players have been given too much time off, clarifying that the team has been dedicated to their preparations. Van Dijk highlighted the importance of qualifying for the Champions League, not only for the club's financial health but also for the desire to compete against the best teams in Europe.