Virgil van Dijk admits Liverpool must do ‘a lot of work’ over summer after failed season

• Outgoing champions have lost 18 games in total this season

• Players must ‘take responsibility’ to ensure top-five finish

Virgil van Dijk has said Liverpool need a lot of work behind the scenes this summer to avoid a repeat of their unacceptable season.

Arne Slot’s team suffered an 18th defeat of this campaign on Sunday when losing at Old Trafford, a Premier League double against Manchester United for the first time in a decade. Liverpool have a six-point cushion in the race for Champions League qualification with three games to play, starting at home to Chelsea on Saturday, and their captain is confident they possess the quality to get over the line.