Programme notesVirgil van Dijk: We've shown our qualities – but we have to keep doing so
Virgil van Dijk has been delighted by Liverpool’s quality in the Champions League so far this season, but warned there’s much more to do.
The Reds need a point from their final two games in the league phase – the first of which sees eighth-placed Lille visit Anfield this evening – to guarantee a place in the last 16 and bypass the knockout play-offs.
Arne Slot’s men lead the standings having won all six of their matches in the campaign, including eye-catching home defeats of Bayer Leverkusen and holders Real Madrid.
They’ll aim to maintain that positive streak tonight and do so buoyed by the dramatic late victory secured at Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.
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Watch on YouTube“After two really difficult away games, it will be nice to be back in our home environment this evening as we welcome Lille to Anfield,” captain Van Dijk writes in his matchday programme notes.
“Champions League nights are always a special occasion at this football club, and we are all really looking forward to what will be another tough fixture.
“Reflecting on the games against Nottingham Forest and Brentford, I think we can take a lot of positives, both in terms of the results and the performances we put in. Those are two really tough places to go, so to take four points from a possible six is a good effort, even if we came away from Forest believing we could and should have won.
“I have said many times that the strength of the Premier League means you cannot lose focus for one minute, otherwise you will be punished. I have also said many times that consistency, togetherness and hard work are the things that will help push us towards our goals this season, and I think all of those things were in evidence, both at Forest and at Brentford.
“We had to show character in both games, and we had to keep going right up until the very last second. At Forest we weren’t quite able to turn one point into three in the closing stages, but at Brentford we got what we wanted, what we deserved, and it felt pretty good!
“We were all delighted for Darwin Nunez, who turned out to be our match-winner. He is a player who never gives up, never hides, and on Saturday he was rewarded for his hard work with two very important goals.
“I talk a lot about our squad, and the need for everybody to be ready to step in and contribute. In the last two games we have seen exactly that. Darwin got the goals at Brentford, but Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, Andy Robertson and Federico Chiesa all made big contributions to the win after coming off the bench. At Forest, Kostas Tsimikas and Diogo Jota came on to immediately combine for the equaliser. These are big moments for us as a team, and as a squad.
“Now we return to Champions League action after a month or so focusing on domestic matters, but we do so with the same mindset. Every opponent deserves our respect, and every game is one we are desperate to win.
“Our European campaign so far has been a very good one, but the same could definitely be said for tonight’s opponents. Lille are in a very good position in the Champions League table and have had some very impressive results along the way.
“When you can defeat Real Madrid at home, and when you can go away to a side like Atletico Madrid and win, then you deserve to be taken seriously. We know the quality that this side has, and we will need to be at our best if we are to make it seven wins from seven in Europe this season.
“Like I say, we have enjoyed our Champions League campaign to this point. To beat teams of the calibre of Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, AC Milan and RB Leipzig, as well as quality outfits like Bologna and Girona, means we have shown our qualities.
“It is, however, only January, and we still have a long way to go, and a lot more to show. Hopefully, we can give you all a lot to shout about once more this evening.”
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