Virgil van Dijk backs Liverpool to fight and earn their place in the quarterfinals of the Champions League after a 1-0 defeat against Galatasaray on Tuesday.
The Liverpool captain admitted the job was far from finished despite Tuesday night’s 1-0 loss in Istanbul, and he believes the tie can still be turned around when the teams meet again at Anfield next week.
Mario Lemina scored the only goal of the match just seven minutes into the game, giving the Turkish side the advantage heading into the decisive second leg. Liverpool created several opportunities during the match but failed to find the equaliser.
Speaking after the game, Van Dijk made it clear the squad must raise their level if they want to reach the quarter-finals.
“We have to fight, we have to deserve it. We have to earn the next round,” Van Dijk said.
“Next week obviously is the decider. We’re at home but we have to show that we want and deserve to go through, first and foremost, in the way we play, defend and attack.”
The Dutch defender stressed that determination and physical battles would be key when Galatasaray arrive at Anfield.
“You have to earn the right. You have to fight for it, the challenges, second-ball fight,” he added.
“In games we have been showing that and in some games we have been lacking, and that’s why we have been inconsistent unfortunately.”
Van Dijk also reflected on the first-leg performance and felt Liverpool had moments where they could have changed the direction of the match.
“We started the game well, maybe should have scored and that changes the momentum of the game and obviously the atmosphere in the stadium, but we didn’t,” he said.
“I don’t want to blame anything but we made some individual mistakes, we lost the ball in positions where we shouldn’t and then obviously with the pace and directness they have, they could look dangerous.”
The captain pointed out that the decisive goal came from a set piece, something he believes the team must improve quickly.
“We conceded from a set-piece so that confirms we still have work to do on that side, but 1-0 down, still all to play for.”
Before the crucial European return leg at Anfield, Liverpool will first turn their focus to the Premier League, where they host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. A strong performance there could provide the momentum Van Dijk believes the team needs for what he hopes will be “an amazing evening” under the lights at Anfield.
