Virgil van Dijk insists Liverpool have shown their determination to rescue a challenging season – and acknowledged the impact the Anfield crowd can have on their Champions League aspirations. The Reds stormed to a 4-0 victory at home against Galatasaray on Wednesday, overturning a round of 16 first-leg deficit and setting up a quarter-final showdown with holders Paris Saint-Germain next month.
Arne Slot‘s team entered the match following a disappointing Premier League draw with Tottenham Hotspur just three days prior, which resulted in them being jeered off by the Anfield faithful. However, this time around, with Galatasaray fans banned, the home supporters created a boisterous atmosphere reminiscent of past unforgettable European evenings, with victory ensuring Liverpool remain in contention for a seventh European title.
« There was a lot at stake, that was pretty obvious, so we had to show how much we wanted it together with our fans, who played a big part, » Van Dijk stated.
« I played last week in Istanbul and saw how big an impact their fans had on their performance and it was clear to see our fans played a big part in our performance. We could have scored more goals but their goalkeeper still had a very good game in my opinion.
« It’s a combination of performance and the fans, they play a big part in that. The fans can probably say if we bring that every week on the pitch then there is no issue and we can say if the fans bring that every three or four days then there is no issue either. It is about doing it together.
« This season as players we take full responsibility for a lot of performances when we have not been good enough. But for me there is no point to speak about it right now after we qualified for the last eight because that is still a very good thing. »
Van Dijk, however, reacted sharply to suggestions the Liverpool squad have become disconnected from supporters following a frustrating campaign while trying to defend their Premier League title. Fans booed at full-time after the draw with Spurs.
Virgil van Dijk says the Liverpool team are still connected to the crowd (Image: Getty Images)
But the captain replied: « That is a bit of a question I don’t like, I don’t like that tone to be honest. In all these years at Liverpool I’ve never ever questioned them (the fans) and I still don’t.
« There is a reason why there is frustration this season because we had an amazing season last year; we became champions, we had consistent, good football, finding ways to win, and this season we have had so many ups and downs dealing with difficult moments and there has been frustration because we want to perform every three or four days as well. »
Van Dijk remains convinced Liverpool have demonstrated flashes of the quality displayed against Galatasaray this season but acknowledges the problem has been the absence of consistency and difficulty in replicating such displays.
The Reds have secured just four victories from nine previous Premier League fixtures immediately following a Champions League match this season and must navigate a swift turnaround when they visit Brighton on Saturday for the early kick-off.
« I think occasionally we have been showing and playing good games but not consistently and on a regular basis and it’s been frustrating for all of us and for the fans as well, » said the Liverpool skipper. « But the only thing we can do is keep going, try to improve and every time you are out there represent the badge in the best way possible.
« It was a good night. We have been having good performances this season and we haven’t been able to build on it the next time.
« It is very hard but that’s the hardest thing in life, doing it each and every three or four days. If you do that you become successful, there’s a big chance you become successful. That’s what you strive for, that’s what we had last year, and that’s what we try to reach.
« But you need multiple factors to go your way and now don’t get carried away. This was a demanding game physically and mentally and it is down to us to do all the right things to be ready for an early kick-off at Brighton because Brighton away is always difficult. We have to be ready but everyone is needed in that sense. »
Mohamed Salah missed a penalty in first-half stoppage time but bounced back by providing the assist for Hugo Ekitike’s second goal before finding the net for the fourth, becoming the first African player to reach 50 goals in the Champions League.
The Egyptian has endured a disappointing campaign by his usual high standards and had been reinstated to the starting XI after being dropped for the weekend fixture against Tottenham.
And Van Dijk said: « I’m pleased for Mo but I’m pleased for the whole team first and foremost. It’s not about an individual, it’s not about one or two players, we go through the same things all of us each and every day, difficult moments especially this season, good moments, and we have to deal with everything together because we need each other.
« He played a good performance in the first half but missed a penalty unfortunately, which is part of the game and some people might judge him differently. But second half he kept his calm, an assist and a goal, but the rest of the guys played outstanding and I was pleased for everyone. »
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