Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk reflects on the defeat and asked everyone not to panic
As quoted by Liverpool Echo, Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk reflected on the thumping defeat at the hands of Real Madrid and urged everyone not to panic.
Liverpool were given a hiding by the European champions at Anfield in the first leg of the last-16 tie in the Champions League. The Reds have very little to no chance of turning around a three-goal deficit when they go to the Bernabeu in three weeks.
Although Jurgen Klopp’s men made a positive start to the game and went two goals ahead, the moment Vinicius Jr. pulled one back for the Spanish side, there was only one team on the field playing football.
Here’s what van Dijk said after the game (h/t Liverpool Echo):
“You know, we’re not robots, sometimes mistakes happen and unfortunately that is the case. The only thing we can do is learn from it and focus on the next one to make sure that it doesn’t happen. In the last two games we played well and that’s something we should focus on as well and don’t be in panic.”
The fact that van Dijk had to say “we are not robots” is symptomatic of the whole season. It is not like this game was a one-off. Liverpool players have been making mistakes on a weekly basis since August.
There is a reason they are eighth in the league, out of both the cup competitions and almost on the exit door of the Champions League. So, for a player to remind us that they are not robots when it is not humanly possible to make mistakes by the day is strange.
As much as the owners are to be blamed for the lack of ambition shown in backing Jurgen Klopp, some of the players need to take a hard look at themselves for what they have done this season. It has simply been not good enough.
More Liverpool News:
- Fabrizio Romano gives update on Liverpool’s links to Napoli star Piotr Zielinski
- Liverpool lead the race to sign Jude Bellingham amid Real Madrid interest
- Transfer News: Liverpool eye a move for RB Salzburg’s Luka Sucic
Amidst all that, let’s hope they remember that there is everything to play for in the league as the top-four spot is not far away. To make the squad rebuild a successful one in the summer, this club needs to be in the Champions League next season. As for this season, say sayonara to any trophy hopes.
