There’s been a lot of unease around Liverpool in the past couple of weeks. Three losses on the bounce, the news of two legends leaving at the end of the season, has made supporting this team very hard. Saturday’s win against Fulham was a welcome balm after the loss to Paris St. Germain midweek. The 2-0 scoreline flatters the Reds, after goals from Rio Ngumoha and Mohamed Salah, but there is still a feeling of uncertainty going into the second leg of the Champions League round when PSG come to Anfield on Tuesday.
“It was a good win and it’s good to keep a clean sheet as well – it felt like ages ago. It’s a win, we take it and move on,” captain Virgil van Dijk told BBC Sport following the match.
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“It’s down to us now to be in the best shape possible to hopefully make it a special evening on Tuesday. One game doesn’t define – hopefully it does – but it’s down to us to keep going. We have been going through a season where we can’t build on good performances.
“It’s down to us now to prepare for hopefully a special night on Tuesday. That’s our main target.
“So, don’t get carried away whatsoever. Just look after yourself now, rest up and be ready for an outstanding team on Tuesday that comes here, that plays with confidence and with their fans behind them.
“But we are at home and we have to show belief from start to finish that we can do it. It needs a special performance but I’ve been lucky and privileged that I’ve been part of special performances.
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“So, I believe for sure and I’m going to make sure I bring that across to the team, the boys. But we need everyone to have that same mindset.”
The 4-0 win against Galatasaray feels very far away at the moment, but that energy is going to be what’s needed to beat a very good (although maybe not as good as they were last season) French side coming to visit. Scoring first and early will be a good chance to set the tone for their opponents, just as they did on Saturday with both goals coming in the first half.
“Of course scoring the first goal is very important,” the captain continued.
“We were playing against a Fulham that obviously didn’t play for quite a while, so they could come up with anything today in terms of tactics. We had to be ready and patient as well. I think our first half was good. Second half, maybe a little bit of fatigue kicks in – what is absolutely normal.
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“But to keep a clean sheet, to see the work-rate everyone put in, I’m pleased with that. But it’s just a win and we have to keep going.”
The win made sure that Liverpool stay in fifth place, three points off of third and still in contention for the coveted Champions League spots next season. With the European cup our only chance at a trophy this season, most of our efforts have to be put towards getting into the next round and not dropping any lower than fifth place in the table.
“Every game is massive and especially if you look at the opponents we’ve got,” Van Dijk concluded.
“We all know how important Champions League football is for the club in general, financially as well.
“So, we want to finish the season in the highest possible way, with the best performances that we can bring on the pitch. But it’s game by game and today was a good win.”
