Captain Virgil Explains New Pre-match Huddle Routine for the Team

Blink, and you’ll miss it, but ardent supporters may have noticed Liverpool FC huddling before the game. The introduction of this ritual is from captain Virgil van Dijk, stemming from his time as a Celtic player:

“It was something that we did when I was a Celtic player. And I always liked it because I thought it set the tone for the game, and it also gave the crowd a signal that we were ready to go.

“It can also help the atmosphere with it being so close to the match starting, so if our fans want to join in by building up the noise and adding to the sense of anticipation, I certainly won’t complain, even if it makes it difficult for me to make myself heard.”

It certainly sounds good in theory... now if only these huddles can start working their magic by helping Liverpool avoid the slow starts that have plagued them since last season! Granted, they haven’t been as big an issue this time around, but it would be nice if one of these huddles propels the team to a 2-0 lead within 10 minutes. I’m sure it’ll happen soon. In Virgil we trust.