Virgil van Dijk EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool star recalls half-time hammering from Jurgen Klopp and opens up on relationship

Virgil van Dijk EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool star recalls half-time hammering from Jurgen Klopp and opens up on relationship
Virgil van Dijk has revealed Jurgen Klopp gave him a rollicking during Liverpools stunning Champions League victory over Bayern Munich earlier this season.The PFA Player of the Year spoke exclusively to talkSPORTs Laura Woods ahead of Saturdays Champions League final against Tottenham in Madrid.getty3

Jurgen Klopp almost always approaches Virgil van Dijk first after Liverpool matches

In the interview Van Dijk opened up on his thriving relationship with the Reds boss, hailing Klopp as one of the best coaches hes ever worked with.And the secret behind their close bond? They are not afraid to be truthful with each other.Back in March, Liverpool claimed one of the biggest wins of their campaign as they dumped Bayern out of the last-16 of the European Cup. It was only the second time the German giants had lost at home all season, but Van Dijk says Klopp was fuming at half-time with the game locked at 1-1.Sadio Mane opened the scoring in Munich with an impeccable chip over Manuel Neuer following an outstanding pass from Dutch defender, but Bayern levelled just before the break when a shot from Serge Gnabry went in off Joel Matip.Andrew Robertson, hailed as one of the worlds top left-backs this season, was widely blamed for allowing the winger in around the back to latch on to a long pass forward.But Klopp knew better and instead aimed his full wrath at Van Dijk.getty3

Klopp is one of the Premier League’s most animated managers on the touchline

The centre-back explained to talkSPORT: I have a good relationship with him [Klopp] because he just tells you the truth and I will tell him the truth. Thats something I really appreciate.Sometimes when there is a mistake I did, that no one else sees, he will tell me.For example, away at Bayern Munich, they scored the equaliser from a ball behind Andy Robertson.Normally, Im there to protect him, but I didnt.It looked like Andy Robertson was in trouble, so they scored and nobody said it was me.But at half-time, the manager came in and shouted at me.talkSPORT3

Virgil van Dijk sat down for an exclusive chat with talkSPORT’s Laura Woods

I think hes definitely up there with the best coaches Ive had, [Ronald] Koeman was also a very important factor in my career and still is.Ive very grateful the boss bought me and got me to Liverpool.”It appeared to do the trick, with Van Dijk scoring the crucial second goal as Liverpool battled to a 3-1 triumph in Germany.It was one of their biggest wins on their road to Madrid, where they will face Tottenham on Saturday for the chance to be crowned European champions for the sixth time in the clubs history.

---

Tune into talkSPORT for LIVE commentary of the Champions League final – Sat 1 March, KICK OFF: 20:00 GMT

---

He just tells you the truth and I will tell him the truth.Sometimes theres a mistake that I did that no one else saw but hed tell me.At Bayern Munich I made a mistake and he shouted at me! #LFCs @VirgilvDijk discusses his relationship with Jrgen Klopp pic.twitter.com/SJ8AeoCJlH— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) May 30, 2019

Van Dijk has had an outstanding campaign, earning him a whole host of individual awards, including the PFA Player of the Year, Premier League Player of the Year, Liverpool Players Player of the Year and Liverpool Fans’ Player of the Year.But the 27-year-old insists he is still not the finished article.He said: I think I have improved on every aspect of my game. Ive had a lot of experience over the last year.I think as a central defender you grow as a player.Theres still more to come. Theres always things to improve, you cant be satisfied with what you have.You have to keep working. I will definitely look at it when Im having my holiday this summer.

---

Nearly 2,000 football-related arrests were made in the 2015-16 season, the first increase for three years. A quarter were in connection with Championship matches according to the Home Office. In
Premier League Football-Related Arrests (Infographic) - WSN

---

Lionel Messi stats: The numbers that prove Barcelona does not need Xavi or Andres Iniesta to excel. It's still mind-boggling Lionel Messi came fifth in the vote for the world's best player
Barcelona: The numbers that prove Lionel Messi does not need

---

Former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner will serve a 50-day prison sentence for assaulting a taxi driver, the State Prosecutor of Copenhagen confirmed. The 30-year-old, who is now contracted to Rosenborg, was involved in an altercation in the Danish capital in September and, despite claiming he acted in self-defence, was handed a jail term.
Ex-Arsenal star to serve prison sentence after breaking taxi

---

Drake: 'Curse' may have wrecked Liverpool's title hopes and affected Sergio Aguero, Romelu Lukaku and Conor McGregor The Canadian rapper has an unfortunate habit of supporting sports stars
'Curse' may have wrecked Liverpool's title hopes and affected
fussboll.com/2019/04/11/curse-may-have-wrecked-liverpools-title-hopes-and-affected-sergio-aguero-romelu-lukaku-and-conor-mcgregor/
'Curse' may have wrecked Liverpool's title hopes and affected Sergio Aguero, Romelu Lukaku and Conor McGregor Conor McGregor Curse Drake Fussboll Liverpool
Drake: 'Curse' may havewrecked Liverpool's title hopes and

---

Arsenal vs Man United: Piers Morgan is on talkSPORT Drive

---

Mohamed Salah: Liverpool forward to miss Egypt internationals

---

'Vincent Kompany over Virgil van Dijk seven days a week' - Man City captain hailed as superior to Liverpool rival after stunning strike Manchester City needed a hero against Leicester City on Monday night and boy did Vincent Kompany step
Man City Fans: Kompany > Van Dijk - dailymail.co.uk

---

Ajax 2-3 Tottenham: Mauricio Pochettino reduced to tears as Spurs book Champions League final date with Liverpool Spurs beat Ajax 3-2 with a stoppage time win in Amsterdam on Wednesday night Video
Ajax 2-3 Tottenham: Spurs players filmed singing Wonderwall
hollywoodadviser.com/ajax-2-3-tottenham-spurs-players-filmed-singing-wonderwall-in-dressing-room-after-booking-place-in-champions-league-final/
Lucas Moura was at the centre of the celebrations after his hat-trick, which was completed in the dying seconds, secured Mauricio Pochettino's side an aggregate win on away goals that books Spurs a final date with Liverpool. The Reds overcame Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate the prior day in another stunning European comeback.
Pochettino in message to Liverpool after Tottenham set up

---

Real Madrid vs. Barcelona in El Clasico: Copa del Rey live stream, watch online, TV channel, prediction, pick That's a death wish against a Barca team that can score at will. They need to
Real Madrid vs Barcelona: TV channel, live stream, kick off

---

Michy Batshuayi took the opportunity to poke fun at Manchester United's Phil Jones in the aftermath of the defender's calamitous own goal in the Champions League. United passed up the
Michy Batshuayi mocks Man United's Phil Jones after comical

---

Leeds vs Sheffield United: How to listen. Full commentary from Elland Road will be exclusively live on talkSPORT 2, with our coverage getting underway at 12pm. Mark Wilson and Simon Grayson will bring you the build-up and live commentary and to tune in just click here for the live stream or click the radio player below.
Leeds vs Wigan live on talkSPORT 2: Full commentary, free

---

Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd quoted £70m for Jadon Sancho, Arsenal find Ozil replacement TRANSFER NEWS live updates - Follow the latest news and gossip as Manchester United identify their top

---

Arsenal's Ainsley Maitland-Niles says the racist abuse he has received is "disgusting" Sterling allegedly suffered racist taunts from a Chelsea fan during City's 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge on
Ainsley - My experiences of racism in football - arsenal.com

---

When West Ham star and Reds target Felipe Anderson admitted his 'dream' to play for Manchester United; Tottenham manager 'motivated to stay' and help Spurs become one of the world's best clubs; Neil Lennon wants to manage next season - at Celtic or elsewhere
When West Ham star and Reds target Felipe Anderson admitted
fussboll.com/2019/05/25/when-west-ham-star-and-reds-target-felipe-anderson-admitted-his-dream-to-play-for-manchester-united/
When West Ham star and Reds target Felipe Anderson admitted his 'dream' to play for Manchester United World Football May 25, 2019 Fans start petition to have UEFA move Europa League final from Baku to Wembley after Mkhitaryan debacle
Liverpool transfer news: When West Ham star and | SportSpyder

---