After Liverpool drew 2-2 away to Newcastle in the first match of the new Premier League season, Liverpool captain Van Dijk gave an interview to Viaplay.

A 2-2 draw secured a point in the final moments. Is this satisfying, or does it show Liverpool's determination to fight back from adversity in such matches?

I think, first of all, it’s always difficult to come and play here, regardless of the situation or when we visit. Of course, today’s game proved that against a very hardworking Newcastle side, who clearly made it difficult for us. To come away with a point in the last minute is still a positive sign, but we still have a lot of work to do.

What kind of work needs to be done?

A lot, and that’s what we’ll be doing in the coming weeks.

Is this because of the pre-season? Was the pre-season too short? Did the players return to Liverpool at different times, and does the new coach also need time to settle in?

I think that goes without saying. Right now, we’re obviously going through a transition period, if you want to call it that. But I’m certainly not making any excuses. I think we did well in some phases of the game, but not well enough in others, and that’s why we were punished. The schedule now is one game a week, so we have plenty of time to train and work on the areas that need improvement, and that will definitely happen.

You are not only the leader of the team but also the leader of the defense and back line. What are the challenges of coming to a place like St. James' Park, knowing the opponent will play on the counter-attack?

Yes, it's not just counter-attacks. I think they play very directly, often hitting long balls into the channels behind our defense. Obviously, we saw that in their pre-season performances — they have that ability and pace. As I said, they can cause you trouble, and it happened twice today. With the first goal, we can discuss whether we should have lost possession, but if we had been positioned higher up the pitch, it might not have happened. They have the ability to hurt you on the counter, and that's exactly what happened. As for the second goal, I think we could have been smarter — for example, by making a tactical foul and then reorganizing the defense. This is a learning process for us. As I said, it's early in the season. We came here to win, and unfortunately, we couldn't. But we'll go home with this point and focus on next week's home game.

What did you learn about your team today?

A lot, but that’s something we need to discuss internally.

One final question, about Kevin Keegan. As a former captain of Liverpool Football Club, he means a great deal not only to your club but also to Newcastle. There was a wonderful tribute ceremony before the game today. Can you share your thoughts on this legendary player?

Listen, first of all, I think how wonderful that scene was speaks for itself. Both sets of fans created a very impressive atmosphere together. Obviously, I also looked around and took in that atmosphere. He is a legend of the game and a legend for both of these clubs, and he had such a huge impact. It is obviously a tragic loss, both for his family and for the fans of both sides. I think the way both sets of fans paid tribute to him today speaks for itself.

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