Disappointment is a common theme throughout this season for the Liverpool Men. Despite holding a lot of possession and taking chances, the Red Men have been unable to find wins for a while now, although without losing either, and that was the case with another draw when Burnley came to Anfield on Saturday. Disappointing. There’s really no other words for it, especially when it just keeps happening.
“You play games to win games and especially at home, especially with all due respect against Burnley where we have a lot of chances,” captain Virgil van Dijk said following the post-match.
“So I’m very disappointed at this moment. But the thing is, I can’t, we can’t stay disappointed. We have to turn this around. And the next opportunity is in three days.
“I have that responsibility as well towards our fans, towards the fans all around the world that support us, be there for us, to be in my best shape. So I have to recover, I have to be mentally ready as well.
“And I will do that. That’s what I’ve been doing for my whole career, but obviously my Liverpool career especially. It’s onto the next [game] and try to be better again. But it’s not about personal things, it’s all about the team, it’s all about making sure we are ready. Onto the next one.”
Fans certainly let themselves be heard after the match, with a smattering of boos ringing out around Anfield at the final whistle. Whether or not you agree with their desire to boo the team or the coach, fans made their feelings known enough for Van Dijk himself to hear and comment on it to the press. At least the captain is not only aware of the displeasure amongst the fans, but the problems afflicting the team as well.
“I’m frustrated that after 60 minutes we started to become sloppy,” the Dutchman continued.
“I think it’s not the first time, so we have to address that. It has been spoken about already but we have to address it again apparently, and Monday will be a big one for it because Wednesday will be a very, very difficult game over there.
“Not only because of the stage, the atmosphere, but we play against a [Roberto] De Zerbi team that makes it very difficult for you. So, onto Monday.”
Liverpool now look towards the Champions League as the tournament returns following the winter break with the last two matches of the opening stage remaining and a big trip to Marseille on the horizon. The Reds only need one more point to secure a spot in the Round of 16 and that could come with a win against the French side.
“I expect a very difficult game over there, for multiple reasons,” said Van Dijk.
“We have two group-stage games left and we want to make sure that we don’t have a play-off. If so, then obviously we have to deal with that. But we have a good chance to make that happen.
“But we have to be more than 95 minutes ready on the biggest stage again on Wednesday, in a hostile atmosphere. That’s something we have to prepare for now.”
Liverpool face Marseille on Wednesday January 21, and hopefully better prepared than for Burnley.
