Programme notes'The hard work starts now' - Virgil van Dijk's run-in rallying call

With the decisive weeks of the 2023-24 campaign looming, the Reds have put themselves in a strong position across all competitions.

Having already lifted the Carabao Cup at Wembley, they came into this weekend top of the Premier League, are into the Emirates FA Cup quarter-finals and hold a 5-1 lead in their Europa League last-16 tie with Sparta Prague.

In his programme notes ahead of the clash with City, captain Van Dijk details his pride in the progress of the squad – but warns there is plenty more to do.

“The character, desire and togetherness that the boys have shown over the past fortnight has impressed me so much,” writes the No.4.

“We have had difficult situations with injuries and players being unavailable, we have had really tough moments in games and we have had proper questions asked of us, but up to now we have come up with the right answers.

“There are so many ingredients – young players coming in and making an impact, players coming off the bench and making a difference, senior players setting a positive example, the leadership of the gaffer and his staff, the commitment and passion of the supporters at times when we need it most. It has all been there.

“The reason I am saying this is not to give any of us a pat on the back. It is to show how hard we have all had to work and how well we have all had to perform just to get ourselves into the position we are now in. That is the reality.

“Nothing has happened by chance and nothing has just fallen into place because we wanted it to. So if we want to give ourselves the best possible chance of winning more football matches and hopefully being more successful, the message is simple: the hard work starts now.

“This is especially true of today, of course. Manchester City have been as successful as they have been in recent years because they have never settled for just enough. The standard of every top side is to always want more and to always demand more. They will come to Anfield believing that they have an opportunity to take a step forward at our expense and we are not under any illusions about this.

“For me, it is still too early to talk about games as potential title deciders no matter what happens. As things stand, there are a number of teams towards the top of the table and a lot of points still to be played for. There will also still be a quarter of the Premier League season left after today’s game, so whatever the outcome no-one should get carried away.

“At the same time, though, everyone involved will recognise that this is an opportunity to get some sort of advantage. We know it and City will know it too. That has been the nature of these games for quite a few years now and it definitely gives them an extra edge but, equally, there is a mutual respect and this can only ever be a good thing.

“As ever, our focus will be on getting the best possible result that we can and as always we would appreciate a bit of help along the way. The atmosphere at our last home Premier League game against Luton was really special, in the second half especially, and we are really starting to feel – and hear – the impact of having thousands of extra fans in the new Anfield Road Stand.

“I noticed afterwards that the Luton manager, Rob Edwards, spoke about the impact that the atmosphere had on the game and I can only agree with what he said, but it also left all of us wanting more. If we could have any kind of repeat today it would be a massive help.”

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