Liverpool’s push for a robust end to the season has been summed up completely by Virgil van Dijk, with the captain delivering a transparent and trustworthy message to supporters forward of our conflict with Crystal Palace.
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Writing in his programme notes by way of Liverpoolfc.com, the Dutch defender didn’t shrink back from acknowledging how disappointing the marketing campaign has been, whereas making it clear what the target now could be.
“This has not been the season all of us wished or envisaged, however the goal now could be to ensure that we finish it in a optimistic method. And meaning Champions League qualification. Nothing else will do.”
That line alone units the tone, as a result of regardless of final season’s title win beneath Arne Slot, we now discover ourselves preventing for a top-five end fairly than silverware.
Van Dijk units clear Liverpool goal
The 34-year-old centre-back burdened simply how necessary the upcoming recreation is, significantly with so little margin for error left within the run-in.
“We welcome Crystal Palace to Anfield understanding that victory would put us in a robust place to safe that top-five place, and there might be no excuses from any of us.”
Van Dijk’s phrases replicate the truth we’re in, as a result of whereas this wasn’t the goal initially of the season, it’s now the minimal requirement.
“It’s not the goal we had in thoughts initially of the season, nevertheless it’s what we’re preventing for now, so we have now to ship, we have now to carry out and we have now to get the three factors.”
Paul Merson has backed the Reds, who’re sweating on a late health check for Alisson Becker, to go and get the much-needed win.
That sense of urgency has solely been heightened by the context of the league desk, with us sitting fifth and nonetheless needing outcomes to safe Champions League soccer.
Captain displays on Everton win and squad mentality
The Netherlands worldwide additionally referenced final weekend’s dramatic Merseyside derby victory, highlighting each the emotional elevate it gave the squad and the significance of constructing on it.
“There is no such thing as a higher feeling than successful a Merseyside derby… it felt good and it felt necessary.”
He additionally made a degree of praising Freddie Woodman, whose sudden look underlined the necessity for everybody to remain prepared, particularly given our damage points.
“Freddie… stepped up and confirmed he was prepared, and that’s what we’d like from everyone.”
With 5 video games remaining, Van Dijk’s message is straightforward and direct.
“5 video games left. Let’s take advantage of them, beginning immediately.”
It’s a rallying name from our captain at a time after we want management most, and now it’s about turning these phrases into performances on the pitch.
