Gary Neville does not agree with Arne Slot's Liverpool rule that players stay in their own homes before a home match – something Virgil van Dijk welcomes.
Since taking over in the summer, Slot and his Reds have romped to a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League, losing just one game so far. They are also undefeated in the Champions League so far.
Slot has not changed much since taking charge at Anfield, although he has introduced a new policy that allows players to stay in their own homes rather than a hotel the night before a home match. That was welcomed by club captain Van Dijk, who has played every minute of his side's attack on the English top flight this season.
However, this newly introduced rule is not something former Manchester United captain Neville would necessarily be a fan of, given his previous comments during his time at Old Trafford.
Speaking to ex-United teammate Roy Keane about Stick to Football last year, Neville insisted: “We loved it. We liked it [staying in a hotel Friday night]. Turn on – everyone is sleeping, no one has child problems and is crying.”
But when Liverpool's defensive talisman Van Dijk spoke exclusively to Mirror Football about the remarkable start to Slot's tenure, he offered a different view.
'It's everyone's own preference, but they are the rules now [Changes to hotel the night before games, players now stay at home]. Personally, I like to sleep in my own bed, I am with my family and that works out well,” said Van Dijk.
“But what we have done in the past has also worked out very well, because we have been very successful when it comes to winning. Personally, I definitely like to be home as much as possible at this stage of my life. I have all the tools to prepare myself in terms of recovery, whether it's a pool, sauna, ice bath, you know everything I need to prepare.
'Obviously we travel a lot [as well]; FaceTime is a great tool that allows you to spend some time with your family. But this year the regime has changed and we have a little more time to be at home and not stay in too many hotels, and it gives you a little more time to be with your family.”
The Dutchman will be with his family on Saturday (January 4), the night before his Reds take on Neville's United at Anfield in what promises to be a crucial match for both the league leaders and their bitter rivals, who are currently in 15th place. .[January4)theeveningbeforehisRedstakeonNeville'sUnitedatAnfieldinwhatpromisestobeapivotalgameforboththeleagueleadersandtheirbitterrivalswhocurrentlysit15thinthetable[January4)theeveningbeforehisRedstakeonNeville’sUnitedatAnfieldinwhatpromisestobeapivotalgameforboththeleagueleadersandtheirbitterrivalswhocurrentlysit15thinthetable
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