Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has sounded the alarm ahead of the club’s return to Champions League action, urging his teammates to be at their best in Europe’s elite competition.
Arne Slot’s first season at Anfield has been a mix of ups and downs on the European front.
Following a surprising defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, the pressure is mounting on the Dutch manager for the first time since replacing Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds face a tough challenge right away with a trip to the iconic San Siro, while Real Madrid are also set to visit Anfield in the newly revamped first phase of Europe’s premier club competition.
German champions Bayer Leverkusen, led by a familiar face in Xabi Alonso, will also pose a significant test.
Other fixtures, including games against Bologna, RB Leipzig, Girona, Lille, and PSV, seem more manageable.
However, Slot will be eager to kick things off on a positive note with a strong performance in Milan this week.
Speaking ahead of the game against AC Milan on Tuesday, Virgil van Dijk said: “[My first Champions League game] as club captain, yeah.
“I’ve obviously been captain during games.
“It’s always a special moment whenever I lead out the boys so Tuesday won’t be any different.
“It is always amazing to be playing in the Champions League.
“I missed it. I can’t wait to be out there hearing the Champions League tune and leading out the boys.
“A club like Liverpool needs to be in the Champions League and we are finally back and let’s go out there and put a much better performance in than we did today as it is needed otherwise you are going to have an issue.
“I’m really looking forward to it and hopefully all our fans travelling over there to support us will be in high spirits and loud voices.”
Van Dijk added: “We need to keep going and keep working and make sure the performances don’t go in that direction.
“We all know how the atmosphere can change but that is also part of the influence from outside which could affect you.
“We have a very good group that really understand that today (against Forest) was unacceptable and are disappointed.
“We all know everyone can do better and we have to show that on Tuesday and that is what we focus on.
“We have been through losses and difficult moments together and I think we have to stay calm and we will stay calm.
“Hopefully if there are no injuries happening then rhythm is always a good thing.
“We need the whole squad and we know after the international break it will be a game ever three days so we need everyone in their best shape and best form.
“Now we go home and the recovery session starts: treatment, ice bath, sauna and swimming pool in order to do everything possible to be ready for Tuesday.
“And then it’s on and on and on so that’s the sacrifice we take.
“I am definitely looking forward to Tuesday but I am disappointed we didn’t put in a performance today.
“We are much better than we showed today.”
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