Liverpool’s defence was at sixes and sevens during the riveting 3-3 draw with Brighton and Virgil van Dijk insists every player, regardless of position, must take responsibility.
Virgil van Dijk has urged Liverpool not to panic, as they face four games which will define their season.
The Reds looked shambolic at times in a wild 3-3 draw with Brighton, sparking fears their campaign could be over even before it has really got started. They face two games against Rangers knowing anything less than victory could be fatal to their Champions League hopes, while realistically, they must defeat Arsenal and Manchester City in their next two Premier League games to stay in the title race.
It is a tall order, but Van Dijk is adamant they will turn it around. “Obviously, we’ve had some setbacks, and it is difficult to react the right way if you are not in the best possible shape, all of us,” he said.
But I’m confident that we will be. What is it, four months ago we were playing for all the titles? Now we are not in the best moment, but we will get there.
“I’m confident, I am confident we will turn this around. We have to find that moment, and obviously we know we have tough games ahead. Rangers in the Champions League, then Arsenal, Rangers, City.
“So let’s just go for it, get the confidence back, get the consistency back and yeah we know we will get there.”
Virgil van Dijk is “confident” Liverpool will recover from their torrid start to the season.
For van Dijk, the solution is to react as a team. While defensively they were exposed against Brighton, the attack worked as a unit, and that needs to be applied all over the pitch.
The Dutchman added: “We all know we have the responsibility of defending, but also attacking. Defending starts from the front and attacking starts from the back, and that’s how we have our principles. And we have to [get] back to that, to that consistency.
“We have to get back to that consistency, and play with joy and freedom. But it all starts with doing it together and working hard. I keep saying the same things, but we have to find that moment.”
