Virgil van Dijk and his Liverpool team-mates (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has sent a clear message to his Reds teammates as they prepare for today’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
The Reds face Unai Emery’s side at Anfield in the second-half kick-off tonight, but it will be vital for the reigning Premier League champions to end their dire run of four straight league defeats.
Van Dijk feels it’s time for Liverpool to show how good they are today and he wants a response from Liverpool.
According to the club’s official website, the Dutch international said in the program notes for official matches that he sees positive things behind the scenes, but hopes they can stand up and be appreciated on the pitch.
Virgil van Dijk’s message to Liverpool players
Van Dijk may not have been at his best for Liverpool recently, but he remains an experienced leader and his words will certainly resonate with his team-mates.
LFC fans will be hoping the rest of the squad will embrace his latest message.
“I can assure you that everyone in this dressing room understands the challenges we are facing and that we are all doing everything we can to turn the situation around,” Van Dijk said.
“None of us like what’s going on, but believe me when I say I have full confidence in the quality and character of this team. I see the effort every day and the ability of the players, but now we have to go out there and show it on the pitch. Everyone, including myself, has to stand up and be counted.”
“It’s definitely going to be a tough game tonight. Aston Villa had a tough start to the season, but they’ve been in great form lately and have had some really good results.
“They have good players and a very good manager, so we have to be focused until the first whistle and ready to work hard to get the three points. Nothing is given to us, we know that.”
Can Arne Slott turn things around for Liverpool?
Today is an important game for Liverpool, but Arne Slott still looks safe for the time being, according to the latest post on Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel.
The Dutch tactician did a great job leading LFC to the title last season, so that’s no doubt earned him more minutes.
We have a very difficult match against Real Madrid coming up, and it will be interesting to see what the atmosphere will be like if we get a bad result again today.
