Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk urges everyone to keep believing despite the horrible first-leg result against Atalanta at Anfield
Virgil van Dijk highlighted the importance of belief before the second leg after Atalanta beat Liverpool 0-3 at Anfield. The Reds need to score four goals without conceding a single goal when they play Atalanta on their turf.
Liverpool have lost all the momentum that they have enjoyed throughout this season due to the recurring issue of complacency. The Italian club punished the Reds for every lapse of concentration and unprofessionalism in both the offensive and defensive phases.
Liverpool struggled to finish their chances while the opposition actively exploited the gaps and mistakes with their clinical finishing. The Reds players frequently went offside and displayed poor composure in front of the goal, missing numerous chances.
At the same time, the build-up play from the backline lacked urgency and pace, making it easier for Atalanta. They lost possession in midfield numerous times due to the slow build-up, making them predictable and easier to intercept.
During the counter-pressing, the rest of the players away from the pressing area moved slowly to organize themselves, leaving big spaces. Liverpool’s complacency has also cost them two points in the last Premier League game against Manchester United.
The Reds dominated the first half but once again failed to seize the game by adding to their lead. A mistake led to United’s revival which cost them two points as the match ended in a 2-2 draw.
Van Dijk told TNT Sports (h/t Liverpoolfc.com) that Liverpool needs to keep believing while focusing on the next game. He said:
“Well, if you don’t have belief there is no point in going to Italy. Obviously we have made it very hard for ourselves, going there 3-0 down, but we focus [now] on Crystal Palace. We have to bounce back and the only way to do it is obviously winning that game on the weekend.”
After a fantastic start to the season, Liverpool’s complacent attitude is undoing all of their hard work. Liverpool fans are patient with mistakes and losses but recurring mistakes are a sign of disrespecting the profession and situation.
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Van Dijk is the captain of the team and he has to make sure the players understand the gravity of the situation. Liverpool have already shown that they possess the ability to beat any team but their biggest enemy right now is themselves.
