Programme notesVirgil van Dijk: Everything is based on hard work, humility and focus

The Reds made it 17 wins from 19 fixtures in 2024-25, and maintained a perfect record in the Champions League, when they beat Real Madrid 2-0 at Anfield on Wednesday night.

The second part of a major double-header at home this week sees title-holders Manchester City visit L4 in the Premier League today (4pm GMT kick-off).

Liverpool have opened up an eight-point lead over City in the table, but Van Dijk insists they will have to dig deep again if they are to extend it with a positive result.

“Of course beating a team like Real Madrid is big, and we would never look to underplay something like that, but I can assure you all that the second we got back to the dressing room on Wednesday night our focus switched towards this weekend and what will be another very tough game against Manchester City,” the captain writes in the matchday programme.

“I am aware that a lot of people will be reading a lot into this game in terms of the Premier League table, but our concentration is on the 90-plus minutes ahead of us, nothing else.

“We are in December, and nothing is won in December, as we all know. There are still more than five months to go in the season and plenty can happen in that time.

“Of course we want to get the three points, but we know how big the challenge will be against City. A lot has been made of some of their recent results, but we know better than anyone what they are capable of. They won the last four Premier League titles in a row and are one of the best sides in the world, a team packed full of top-class players, so we have to be ready to face the best version of them, nothing else.

“And whatever happens after that we have to be ready and stay calm, not getting too high or too low based on results.

“We know the big reasons behind our good start to the season. Everything has been based around hard work, humility and focus, as well as the quality we have within the team. For many years, I believe we have shown those qualities and it is good that we have done so again this season.

“Whatever happens today, we have to be ready and stay calm, not getting too high or too low.

“As I keep on saying, it is about consistency. We want to keep winning games as we have been, but you only win games if you are fully committed, fully focused and ready to give absolutely everything every single day.

“You saw last Sunday at Southampton, and then again on Wednesday against Real Madrid, that we are prepared to dig deep when it matters, and we will need to do that again against City, for sure.

“I know we can count on your incredible support as we look to end a big week with the perfect result, and hopefully we can give you lots to shout about once again.”

• Get your copy of the programme at Anfield today or order online here