Virgil van Dijk urges Liverpool to show ‘fight’ after Champions League setback
Virgil van Dijk remains confident that Liverpool can overcome their Champions League deficit against Galatasaray, despite a disappointing first-leg defeat in Istanbul.
The Reds succumbed to a 1-0 loss in a raucous atmosphere, mirroring a previous league phase encounter at Rams Park.
Mario Lemina’s early header, stemming from a poorly defended corner, secured the advantage for the Turkish champions on a chaotic evening.
The match was marked by Liverpool’s profligacy and frustration over officiating decisions, including a disallowed Ibrahima Konate equaliser and a penalty appeal for Van Dijk.
Putting aside his grievances, the captain is focused on Wednesday’s return fixture at Anfield.
“I’ve seen a lot, in terms of the chances that we created, but it doesn’t mean that that’s going to be enough,” Van Dijk stated. “We have to fight, we have to deserve it. We have to earn the next round.”
He emphasised the importance of the home crowd: “Next week obviously is the decider. The matter of fact is that we’re at home, I think there’s only our fans there, so hopefully it’s going to be an amazing evening positively for us.”
He added: “But we have to show that we want and deserve to go through, first and foremost, in the way we play, defend and attack, so that’s the aim.”
Before the European decider, Liverpool face Tottenham in the Premier League, a side also reeling from continental disappointment.
Tottenham’s domestic struggles, which have seen them drop to 16th, extended to Europe with a humiliating 5-2 first-leg loss to Atletico Madrid.
Despite their current slump, Van Dijk cautioned against underestimating their threat.
“First we have to focus on Spurs, because that’s going to be a tough one as well,” he said. “Even when they are struggling, (on Tuesday night) or over the last couple of weeks, they will come to Anfield, and especially at the start have a feeling that they could get a result.”
Van Dijk stressed the need for a collective performance, deflecting focus from individual contributions, such as Mohamed Salah’s recent form.
“I think it’s all about the team,” he asserted. “Mo is such an important part of the team, so we need to get the best of everyone and it’s not a particular player.”
He concluded: “We play for the badge, for the club, for trying to get results, and everyone has to contribute in that. You have qualities enough and obviously in Mo’s case there’s no doubt that he has the qualities, and he showed it on such a consistent basis.
“He is important and will still be important until the end of the season. We have to keep going, him included.”