'It feels like a bit of a transition' - Van Dijk

[Getty Images] Virgil van Dijk believes that even though there is change at Anfield with a new head coach in Andoni Iraola, the aim is still very much the same. "It definitely feels like a bit of a transition, for sure," said Van Dijk, after Liverpool's 3-2 defeat to Monaco on Sunday. "It is down to everyone associated with Liverpool to make sure we are building something that will be successful for years to come. "This year, we want to be successful, but there is a lot of work still to be done. We all know how difficult it is to be playing in the Premier League, the League Cup, the FA Cup, and the Champions League, so we need everyone at their best." Van Dijk was granted an extended break after the World Cup, having played every minute of the Premier League and the 35-year-old chose not to go on Liverpool's pre-season tour of the USA, saying he felt that was the "best way" for himself. "I definitely asked for a good break because I felt like I needed it, not only physically but mentally as well," said Van Dijk. "It was a very demanding year from before pre-season started last year until the day I got knocked out of the World Cup so I felt like I needed a good break and I had maybe three days more than Ryan (Gravenberch), Flo (Wirtz) and Alex (Isak). "For me it was key I didn't want to go to America because I didn't want to get jet lag and after come back from that as well and I felt like having a couple of extra days at the AXA (training ground), doing the testing before the team was there and getting ready for when the team was back to immediately crack on. I felt that was for me personally the best way." On his relationship with Iraola, Van Dijk added: "It has been absolutely fine, we had a great conversation in the first week when it got announced and the main thing for him to know is that I am here for him regardless, anything he needs, wants to know, wants me to do for the team or whatever, I am here for him and hopefully we will be successful this season and that's what we want."