Virgil van Dijk admits Liverpool 'frustration' despite Champions League heroics (original) (raw)

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk could leave the Reds for nothing at the end of the season with his contract set to expire in the summer

Virgil van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk has admitted he was left “frustrated” at Liverpool’s first defeat of the season despite bouncing back in the Champions League.

The Reds had started the season in fine form under new boss Arne Slot. But that came to a grinding end at the weekend against Nottingham Forest as Callum Hudson-Odoi’s strike condemned the hosts to a loss at Anfield.

And despite Liverpool bouncing back with a fine display in their 3-1 Champions League win against Italian giants AC Milan, Liverpool’s first defeat of the campaign irritated Van Dijk. It could have been an uncomfortable evening after Christian Pulisic’s early goal but Liverpool roared back to secure a dominant win.

Speaking after his side’s success at the San Siro, the Dutch defender said: “Obviously it was very disappointing at the weekend in so many ways, especially the last part of that game. It was very frustrating to witness and be part of, but we had a chance to put it right and I think we did.

“Like I said, a shaky start with the goal that we conceded; that started from the side, we were late, everywhere we were late and they capitalised on it. But after that, the way we stayed calm and kept playing and kept looking for the solution, it was very good to see.”

Van Dijk’s future with the Merseyside club remains up in the air. The former Southampton and Celtic star’s contract expires at the end of the campaign and should fresh terms not be agreed on, he would be allowed to leave Liverpool for nothing.

Speaking last month, he claimed that he had yet to be offered new terms by the club hierarchy. Van Dijk said: “There are no changes at the moment.”

Away from his own situation, the defender will certainly hope to help Liverpool get back to winning ways in the Premier League. Slot’s side take on Bournemouth at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

Virgil van Dijk celebrates his goal against AC Milan (

Image:

Getty Images)

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Speaking ahead of that game, Van Dijk had some simple demands. He added: “It sounds very easy but the consistency. You have to stay fit, you have to do everything in your power to be ready for the next game, whether you start or not and you have to feel part of winning games.

“So we need all the guys to be ready, the guys on the bench, there might be disappointment. Today we made two [changes] with [Andy] Robertson and Luis Diaz and obviously they want to play these games but we need everyone in the best shape of their life and respect the decisions.

“That’s key in order to be successful, because there will be rotation but we need everyone to keep pushing and do everything in their power to stay fit. We go home now, we’re back home in the middle of the night but recovery starts already, eat the right stuff.

“Because on Saturday it will be a very tough game and we need everyone at their best. That’s key. We are in a cycle and if we want to be successful, you have to make that sacrifice as well.”

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