Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk was in complete disbelief as assessed his side’s defeat against Arsenal, who earned their first league win over the Reds in 3 years. However, it was more than just a loss for both the sides as Arsenal reclaimed their top-spot in the Premier League table, while Liverpool further fell down to 10th place. The Merseyside club has a mere 10 points from 8 games, and just 2 wins to their name so far in the league.
Furthermore, the Reds have endured a tough start to their new season in a whole, with just 4 wins from 12 games in all competitions. Injuries to key players is another huge aspect which has contributed to their dismal form, with Thiago, Fabinho, Matip, Firmino all injured at the start of the season while Keita, Jones, Arthur Melo, Oxlade-Chamberlain still on the treatment table. However, Van Dijk feels that confidence is one thing which Liverpool are low on after the poor run of results.
Liverpool’s confidence is ‘creeping away’ admits Virgil van Dijk
Jurgen Klopp and his team have faced some shock defeats and drubbings as well across the 12 games so far. The 2-2 draw away at newly promoted Fulham on the opening day, a 2-1 loss to a Manchester United team which was on the back of 2 losses, 1-1 draw to Crystal Palace in their first game of the season at Anfield and the 4-0 thumping by Napoli in the Champions League on the opening match-day. Liverpool have constantly been dealt with massive set-backs before even recovering from one.
Virgil van Dijk has now admitted that the team is low on confidence as it one of the most important things when trying to put on a fight back. The Reds’ multiple efforts at turning things around have been tarnished, but the center-back vowed that they are determined to bring a change in the results. While talking to Sky Sports post the Arsenal defeat, the Dutch international said:
“Confidence is definitely a thing that plays a part but you know, we are all human beings and sometimes you need a bit of confidence in certain moments and it could also if your confidence is not as high not help you in situations.
“Like what I said before, every human being in any job needs a little bit of confidence in order to perform at the highest level. If you are not winning at the highest level like we are used to, then confidence is creeping away but we know it can turn around just like that, we have to work hard. That’s the only thing to do and the only way forward.
“The only thing we can do is try to win the next game. We know in the league it’s going to be quite a tough one but first we have to recover, look at what we can do better because there will be plenty of moments that we can all do better.”
While Virgil van Dijk’s assessment may be a damning one, it was quite filled with honesty. Liverpool further lost two more players to injuries against Arsenal, as Luis Diaz and Trent Alexander-Arnold picked up knee and ankle knock respectively. The Reds are now back in Champions League action this week as they take on Rangers away. Klopp will be hoping to revive his team’s spirit with a dominating win here.