VAN DIJK RAPS REDS DOOM-MONGERS
VIRGILVAN DIJK has hit out at the negativity swirling around Liverpool and says the players themselves would be happy “just” to win the Premier League.
After all, it is still 30 years since anybody at the club has done so.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have lost three of their last four games, including their Invincibles league tag, been knocked out of the FA Cup and have a tough task to overturn a
1-0 first-leg deficit against Atletico Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League.
“We might ‘just’ end up with the Premier League?” said Van Dijk. “Yeah? ‘Just?’ It’s just a small thing is it? We also won the Super Cup and theWorld
Cup of teams, so...look, in life there are people that are not always satisfied. They are always looking for negative things in life. That’s just the reality. “Either you’re going to think about these things and go on with that negative spirit, or you just focus on the good things and I’m definitely focusing on the good things.
“We are in a very good situation. Close to what we all hope to achieve. Let’s just go for it, enjoy it. Chelsea was a big blow but we were playing against a very good side. Let’s focus on ‘just’ the Premier League, because it’s very small, huh?”
The need to steady the ship sits more firmly on Van Dijk’s shoulders as acting captain with Jordan Henderson, left, still a couple of weeks away away from full fitness.
“He’s been very good for us this season,” said Van Dijk. “And he is our captain. We appreciate everything he does for us.
“But we have quality players all over the pitch. Everyone who’s coming in has to contribute with being a leader.
“With being ready to come on, in training or when you’re on the bench to challenge the players who’s playing in your position.
“Obviously we can’t deny that he’s been outstanding this year, that he’s been very important. But the reality is everyone else has to step up.”
Van Dijk also dismissed suggestions that Liverpool did not want to win the FA Cup anyway.
“I think that’s stupid to say, in my opinion,” he said. “Every competition we participate in, we want to win.
“We showed it against Chelsea with the line-up and the way we kept going, the energy we put in. We tried to do as much as possible to win the game.”