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.

---

Arsenal are 'too good for the Europa League' and will reach final, says Qarabag boss The Gunners topped their group having frequently playing youngsters and reserves By Jack Figg
Arsenal news and transfers live: Gunners to - football.london

---

About our Norwich City news NewsNow aims to be the world's most accurate and comprehensive Norwich City news aggregator, bringing you the latest Canaries headlines from the best Norwich sites and other key national and regional sports sources.
elvis (mutelviz) on Pinterest

---

Manchester City post Frank Lampard highlight video… and call former Chelsea midfielder a 'City legend' Leicester City new away kit: Fans rave about PINK adidas shirt for 2019/20 season; Roman Abramovich to attend first competitive Chelsea match in a year to watch Europa League final against
Frank Lampard as Chelsea manager? Gus Poyet says legend would

---

Home Leagues Chelsea news: Watch incredible video of academy star Reece James at the Toulon Tournament Leagues Chelsea news: Watch incredible video of academy star Reece James at the Toulon Tournament
Chelsea news: Watch incredible video of academy star Reece

---

A Chelsea supporter has been banned from attending games for three years after being found guilty of homophobic chants during the club's Premier League game against Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium last month.
Premier League: Chelsea fan banned for three years after

---

Bale deserves more football, but Clasico snub shows it won't

---

Leicester City have entered negotiations with AS Monaco as they pursue a deal to sign Youri Tielemans. Leicestershire Live reports that the Foxes are ramping up their pursuit of the Belgian international as Claude Puel looks to recruit a new midfielder before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month.
Leicester hoping to land Tielemans for €45m - Read Leicester

---

Alfredo Morelos red cards: Every sending off for Rangers this season, as Steven Gerrard tells striker to channel aggression in the Scottish Premiership this season, but Alfredo Morelos
Alfredo Morelos has four red cards this season and it could

---

Philippe Coutinho's future at Barcelona will be decided in an upcoming meeting. The former Liverpool man has had a difficult first full season since his £145million move to the Spanish giants in
Philippe Coutinho's one transfer condition to sign for

---

Maurizo Sarri's use of Callum Hudson-Odoi is as puzzling as it is detrimental to Chelsea's hopes of holding on to the in-demand 18-year-old winger. The Blues boss has enough problems on his plate

---

Southampton striker Charlie Austin avoids punishment for

---

Cometh the hour, cometh the Cristiano. The Portuguese megastar scored a ruthless hat-trick to send the hosts into the inaugural final of the UEFA Nations League with a 3-1 win over Switzerland.
Portugal 3-1 Switzerland: 'Genius' Cristiano Ronaldo hat

---

Transfer news LIVE: Reports and done deals covering Arsenal, Liverpool, Man Utd, Chelsea, Real Madrid and the rest. Sportsmail keeps you up to date with all the latest news throughout the day
Transfer news live: Liverpool 'to sign' Bruno Fernandes; De

---

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola in action. (Source: AP) Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he has received assurances from the club's hierarchy that they will not be banned from the Champions League over allegations of a breach of UEFA Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.

---