Dutchman Virgil van Dijk, captain and defender of Liverpool, revealed the importance of his team’s upcoming confrontation against Manchester United, scheduled to be held on Sunday evening at Anfield, in the eighth round of the English Premier League.
The Liverpool vs. Manchester United match begins at 6:30 pm on Sunday, October 19, Bahrain, Egypt and Saudi Arabia time.
Van Dijk comments on Liverpool’s confrontation against United
Van Dijk said in statements to the club’s official website: “We are fully aware that the match will be difficult, as is the case in every round of this strong league, but we expect Anfield to be in an atmosphere full of enthusiasm and life, and this is what always gives us an additional boost.”
The Dutch star added: “We have to show a strong reaction after the difficult week we went through before the international break. The loss against Chelsea was very painful, especially after the great effort we made to get back in the match, especially after the good performance we presented against Crystal Palace and Galatasaray.”
Van Dijk continued: “This is the nature of football. Competing in tournaments such as the English Premier League and the Champions League against the best teams and players is never easy, and it should not be so. We have to accept challenges and face them with a winning mentality.”
The Reds captain referred to the values that the team’s players must have, saying: “I have always spoken about the foundations on which this great club is based: hard work, humility, togetherness, and consistency. These values apply not only in good times, but in difficult times as well.”
He added: “We are not worried, but we know that there is room to improve our collective performance. We believe in the quality of the team and its strong character, and we will work to demonstrate that in the coming weeks.”
Van Dijk also pointed out that the players returned from their international commitments in high spirits, and said: “Many of us went through a successful international period, and now we return to the club with a positive mentality, prepared for the strong challenges that await us in the coming period.”
The Reds captain concluded his speech with an emotional message to Liverpool fans: “I know that you will be behind us as usual, supporting us and encouraging us with all your might. We promise you that we will do our best on the field, and we need you to continue this wonderful support, because you always make the difference.”
