VAN DIJK: KEEP CALM & CARRY ON

VIRGIL VAN DIJK has urged Liverpool not to panic as they go into four fixtures 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 before it has really got started.

They have two Champions League clashes with Rangers knowing anything less than victory could be fatal to their hopes, while realistically must defeat Arsenal and Manchester City in their next two Premier League outings 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’s difficult to react the right way if you are not in the best possible shape, all of us,” said the central defender (top).

“But I’m confident. 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.”

For Van Dijk, the solution is to react as a team. While defensively Liverpool were exposed against Brighton, the attack worked as a unit, and that needs to be applied all over the pitch, he said.

He 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.”