Virgil van Dijk has called on his Liverpool teammates to give “absolutely everything” in the final weeks of the season as the battle for Champions League qualification intensifies. The captain admitted that the team is hurt by the series of disappointing results, but stressed that the players have to respond on the field.
Captain called the recent defeat unacceptable
Van Dijk has given a candid assessment of Liverpool’s recent performances after a difficult period which has included a heavy defeat to Manchester City. The Reds have struggled for consistency away from home, suffering three consecutive defeats in domestic and European competitions. That run has left their campaign under severe pressure in the final weeks of the season. The Merseyside club now have to react quickly as they prepare to return to Anfield to face Fulham in the Premier League.
Van Dijk demands high standards
Reflecting on the defeat to Manchester City and the difficult schedule that followed, Van Dijk acknowledged the team’s struggles but insisted that the level of performances must improve.
“It has certainly been a difficult season for all of us, and there is no escaping the fact that the last few days have been particularly difficult,” the defender wrote in his pre-match program notes. “The way we lost against Manchester City was bad – in my opinion, unacceptable – and then going into another extremely difficult game against one of the best teams in Europe in Paris Saint-Germain was always going to be very challenging. So it proved.”
“Of course, we need a special performance if we are to turn that around, but with you guys at Anfield, we have to believe. We know how big these final weeks of the season are. We have seven Premier League games left and we know exactly what is required if we are to qualify for the Champions League next season. So we have to get our heads down, stick together and give absolutely everything. Nothing else is acceptable at this football club.”
Requires a back-to-basics approach
Van Dijk believes Liverpool must rediscover the core qualities that previously defined their success under Jurgen Klopp or Slott’s first season, where they successfully won the Premier League title. According to the captain, if they have to bring about a change in their form then a collective commitment towards intensity and teamwork will be necessary.
“As I always say, it starts with the basics: hard work, intensity, togetherness, willingness to run and fight for everything,” he said. “We have to come out today with the right mindset, play as a team and be ready to give everything from the first second to get the desired result.”
“That’s what you guys expect and that’s what we expect from ourselves too. We know this is a difficult moment for the club, a very difficult moment. Everyone is disappointed, everyone is suffering and everyone is looking for answers. But we are the ones who have to come through this and start turning it around, and the only place where we can do that is on the pitch. There are no excuses. Let’s stick together and give everything.”
what comes next?
Liverpool now turn their attention to a crucial league clash with Fulham at Anfield as they attempt to keep their Champions League hopes alive. With only seven Premier League matches remaining, every point could prove decisive in the race for a top-four finish. After that, Slot’s team will prepare for the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals against PSG.
