Virgil van Dijk has told fans his secret to staying at the top of his game: a strict routine of breathing exercises and meditation.
The 33-year-old has won everything during his time with the Reds, including the Premier League and Champions League, as well as countless personal trophies. Now that he is in phenomenal form and Arne Slot's side are riding high, he is looking to propel Liverpool to greater glory this season.
Despite having to consistently deliver strong performances on the pitch, Van Dijk says he attaches equal importance to recovery methods off the pitch. He candidly shared how meditation and relaxation techniques play a crucial role in dealing with the immense pressure of football, especially during a season where Slot's team is competing on four fronts so far.
“Meditation is definitely something we do now and I try to do breathing exercises every now and then in the evening to get into a nice, calming state,” Van Dijk said. “I feel like it helps too. Any little bit that helps you recover well or sleep well or makes you feel relaxed and not stressed helps.”
Famous for his calmness when under pressure, Van Dijk credits a disciplined routine to his success, including sauna sessions, ice baths and swimming. Each activity has been carefully designed for optimal recovery after grueling competitions, reports Surrey Live.
“After a match I come home and do all the things that are normal for me,” he added. “Going to the sauna, ice bath, swimming pool, doing exercises to get your body ready to recover as quickly as possible.
“I try to do everything the same even when we're on the road. Normally we don't sleep at the same place we traveled to, we travel straight back home, so you might get home at midnight or a little or later even.
“I still do all my work, so it doesn't really change for me. It also helps when you see the benefits of what you're doing and then it becomes a lot easier to keep going, but I definitely have my routines.”
The centre-back stressed the importance of consistency in daily habits, especially considering the hectic life of a professional footballer. Van Dijk revealed that while Liverpool provide maximum support for fitness regimes, a significant part of the effort comes from a personal schedule and sticking to regular training so he can consistently deliver top performances on the pitch.
“It is also important to eat well with nutrition and of course the club also helps with that,” said Van Dijk. “I have my own chef, so that helps, but the most important thing is sleep.
“That's not always possible. Sometimes you can't really sleep straight away after a match, but then you balance it out and take a nap in the afternoon, so you have to try to play with it.”
The Netherlands' international speech about being on the road and away from his family was especially relevant when he recently visited the Ronald McDonald House Alder Hey. Van Dijk is working with McDonald's to raise awareness of the fundraising needs for the charity, which provides families with a home away from home while their child is in hospital.
“As a parent, having a child in the hospital is your worst nightmare,” he said. 'The idea of being separated from them at such a traumatic moment is unthinkable. It was my pleasure to join McDonald's in visiting families at the Ronald McDonald House Alder Hey, and hearing about the lifeline the House plays for families every day, holding them close while children receive emergency treatment in hospital.”
Ronald McDonald House Charities UK relies on donations to provide free 'home from home' accommodation to families with sick children in nearby hospitals. The Alder Hey House is separately raising money for a complete renovation of their facilities.
Van Dijk added: “From the caring team of staff to the bedrooms and kitchen facilities, the House has truly created a 'home away from home' for those living through their worst nightmare. Please donate to this wonderful charity through McDonald's this Christmas so the charity can continue its work.”
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