Programme notesVirgil van Dijk: We have to be at the right level from first whistle to last

The Reds will return to Premier League action at Anfield a week on from suffering their second defeat of the top-flight campaign, a 3-2 loss away to Fulham.

In the aftermath of that result at Craven Cottage, the captain stated the importance of maintaining a ‘job not done’ mentality as Arne Slot’s side aim to achieve their objective of clinching the title.

And in his matchday programme notes for the visit of the Hammers and a chance for the leaders to bounce back, Van Dijk strongly underscores that message.

Sunday’s game will also see respects paid to the 97 supporters who died in the Hillsborough tragedy, with Tuesday the 36th anniversary of the disaster.

Van Dijk writes: “Sunday is an important one for Liverpool Football Club, both on and off the field. First and foremost, Anfield will pay tribute to the victims of Hillsborough, ahead of the 36th anniversary.

“A mosaic will be displayed on the Kop prior to kick-off to remember the 97 fans who died as a result of the events that occurred at the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest on April 15, 1989. There is a commemorative edition of the matchday programme and tributes will also be displayed on LED boards surrounding the pitch.

“I consider myself extremely blessed to be the captain of this football club, and on behalf of everybody at the club we want to honour the men, women and children who lost their lives, and to pay our respects to all those affected by what happened that day.

“You are in our thoughts, on this day and always.”

The No.4 continues: “On the pitch, we have a job to do. Sunday’s game at Fulham was a disappointing one, and we are looking forward to being back on home soil as we welcome West Ham United.

“The Premier League is an unforgiving place, and if you make mistakes and fall short of the required standards then you are going to get punished. That is exactly what happened down at Craven Cottage. Credit goes to Fulham, but it was a poor day at the office for us, no doubt, and we have to take it on the chin.

“What’s important now, however, is that we take the lessons from last weekend and show the right reaction. Our second-half performance, for example, was a lot better and should perhaps have ensured that we took something from the game in the end. That’s a positive we can take, but we need to make sure we are ready from the first minute against West Ham.

“I have been saying for a long time now that there is still a big job to be done. Everyone on the outside will talk, but that’s not something we should ever be concerned by. We know exactly what is required over the coming weeks, and we know the standards and the mentality needed if we are to achieve our goals.

“As I always say, everything starts with hard work. We must be all-in on Sunday, and in each of our remaining games. We must be together, fully focused and ready to give absolutely everything for the cause. That is what has put us where we are now, and it is what will get us to where we want to be at the end of the season too.

“We know the threat West Ham will pose. They probably aren’t where they would like to be in the Premier League table, but there’s no doubt about the talent that they have at their disposal. Like Fulham, they have players that can hurt you, if you are not at the right level.

“It is on all of us, then, to make sure that we are at the right level from first whistle to last and I hope, also, that we are able to call upon a big atmosphere inside the stadium once more.

“I know I’ve said it before, but in games like this, at times like this, that really can make a difference. We hear you and we feel you, so be loud, be noisy and let’s make life as hard as we possibly can for our opponents.

“We know what’s at stake, so let’s do it together and push towards another big three points.”