“It gives you a little bit more time to be with your family” - Liverpool star Van Dijk shares delight with rule change from Slot after replacing Klopp

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has disclosed the one rule change under Arne Slot that he likes over Jurgen Klopp's time at the club. Slot has allowed the players to stay at their respective places ahead of a home match if they wish to, which has gone down well with Van Dijk.

The Dutchman said that while he did not have an issue with Klopp's rule of players staying together ahead of home matches, he preferred Slot's method of letting players be with their families more. He told Daily Mirror:

"It's everyone's own preference, but it's the rules now. Personally, I like to sleep in my own bed and be with my family, and so it works out quite well. But what we did in the past worked out quite well, too, as we've been very successful in terms of winning.

"Personally, at this stage of my life, I definitely like to be as much at home as possible. And I've got all the resources to get myself ready in terms of recovery, whether it's a pool, sauna, ice bath, or anything else I need to get ready."

"Obviously, we travel quite a lot [as well]; FaceTime is a big tool that could sort of keep you a little with your family. But this year, the regime has changed, and we have a little bit more time to be home and not spending time in too many hotels, and it gives you a little bit more time to be with your family," he added.

Liverpool next face Leicester City on Thursday, December 26. They are four points clear at the top of the Premier League table and have a game in hand as well.

Virgil van Dijk on Liverpool contract and Mohamed Salah

Virgil van Dijk is in the final months of his contract but is no hurry to pen a new deal. He has admitted that there is no update on his situation and is focused on the on-field action for Liverpool currently. On his Anfield future, he said:

"There is no deadline at all. We will see what the future brings. Is there an update? No."

When quizzed about Salah, he added:

"The numbers speak for themselves. He’s a very special athlete. He’s done amazingly for the club and hopefully, he can play his best season ever for the club, stay important with his goals and assists and be clinical. He is a professional. We’ve been there, he’s been there, so onto the next (game). And next season? I don’t know."

Liverpool stars Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold have their respective contracts expiring at the end of the season.