Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk says it was “a shock” for him to be so inconsistent this season and feels “comfortable in my skin again”.
The Reds had a poor season in the Premier League but some brilliant late form saw them just miss out on a Champions League place.
Van Dijk was one of number of players who came in for criticism over the course of the season but their late run of form has given Liverpool fans hope for next season.
Speaking to NOS in the Netherlands, Van Dijk said: “I have had a turbulent season and I am happy that the last three months went well. I am comfortable in my skin again and am constant.
“That’s also what I was used to in the last five years. It was a shock that it was not constant enough as a team this year.
“You can only come out of it by dealing with it, inside and outside the pitch. I think I was able to do that well, with help from my wife and people at the club. I’m happy with that.
“To give an example, against United we won 7-0, but then the next game at Bournemouth you lose 1-0. That’s just very frustrating. Then you look for answers and your form.
“It went too much with ups and downs, but that’s also part of an athlete’s life. You cannot perform at your absolute best every game.”
There have been concerns that Liverpool might suffer in the transfer market after they failed to qualify for the Champions League but Van Dijk has eased those worries.
In an interview late last month, Liverpool defender Van Dijk said: “Pre-season will be massive. I’m very excited for next season. I think that feeling came a couple of months ago when we turned the page.
“Obviously there’s still a lot to work on but the good thing in this case is that we have the whole pre-season to work on this and that’s definitely the plan.
“The noises I’m hearing, it’s going to be a very intense pre-season with a lot of physical work but also a lot of tactical work trying to get ready for a tough season.
“Players are leaving, hopefully players come in and will be ready for the start of pre-season.
“I don’t think it’s going to change much but, if someone wants to play Champions League no matter what then that’s their ambition.”
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