Van Dijk: “The world is sinking” but Liverpool’s biggest prize remains in reach | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Season Hinges on a Crucial Response – Virgil van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk has admitted Liverpool’s recent struggles may feel like “the world is sinking,” but he insists the biggest prize remains within reach.

A turbulent week saw Arne Slot’s side crash out of the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain before suffering heartbreak in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United. The mood has shifted drastically, but Liverpool’s captain refuses to let setbacks define their season. With nine Premier League games remaining, they still hold a 12-point lead over Arsenal.

Photo: IMAGO

Test of Mentality and Belief

Van Dijk knows that in football, narratives can change quickly. Just weeks ago, Liverpool were riding high, but now, after two defeats, the pressure has intensified. Yet, he remains clear on the challenge ahead.

“We have to turn this around,” he said after the Wembley disappointment. “It’s how football works: in five days you lose twice and the world is sinking. Two weeks before, everything was sunshine and rainbows everywhere.

“Obviously, the Champions League we couldn’t get it done, this we lost, and the FA Cup we got knocked out. We have nine games to go, and I don’t think there’s any motivation needed to try to get the job done.

“You play for the biggest prize that you work so hard for from the start of the season. No-one expected us to be challenging for the Premier League. It’s the most difficult prize to get. There’s a lot at stake. There are so many positive and good things to look forward to. We have to work our ass off for it.”

With an international break on the horizon, Van Dijk hopes his teammates will return refreshed and ready for the next battle, a Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield on April 2.

Wembley Wake-Up Call

Liverpool’s performance in the Carabao Cup final fell well below expectations. Newcastle executed their game plan effectively, and the Reds never found their rhythm. Van Dijk didn’t hide from the reality of the situation.

“It was difficult,” he admitted. “Newcastle obviously were good at what they’re good at. It sounds pretty cliched, maybe, but the aggressiveness, the challenges, drawing fouls, getting set-pieces.

“We gave them the encouragement, the feeling that this could be their night. We were just not good enough and that was very disappointing and hard to take.”

Despite the taxing midweek clash against PSG, the Dutch defender dismissed fatigue as an excuse.

“I don’t think there’s any impact (from the defeat to PSG). We had a day off two days after that game to settle down a little bit.

“They defended well. I think Dan Burn was very good. We didn’t really have the firepower today. Not many clear chances.”

Photo: IMAGO

Eyes on the Premier League Prize

Van Dijk understands that disappointment must be short-lived in a season where Liverpool are still fighting for glory. As captain for both club and country, he has no time to dwell on setbacks.

“The life of a footballer means tomorrow at 2pm I’ll be in the national team camp, and I can’t be sitting there with my face down and everyone looking at me thinking: ‘Are we gonna attack this international break?’

“I’m the captain there as well. It’s a quick turnaround. I’m very disappointed. I really am. It hurts, but from tomorrow that’s the life of a football player, you can’t dwell on things too much, especially in the middle of a season. Tomorrow I’ll focus on facing Spain because I’ve got a quite difficult one on Thursday.”

Liverpool’s season has reached a pivotal juncture. The setbacks have stung, but with the Premier League title still within their grasp, the real question is how they respond.