Virgil van Dijk called unplanned players-only meeting after Liverpool defeat - 'Everyone was sad'

Virgil van Dijk has revealed why he organized the impromptu team meeting that has helped reignite Liverpool's faltering campaign.

The Reds delivered a commanding 5-1 Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany on Wednesday night, having previously endured four consecutive defeats.

Arne Slot's team faced heavy scrutiny following the disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Manchester United on Sunday, which threatened to plunge them into their worst sequence of results in 72 years. The squad gathered at the AXA Training Centre the next day for their standard post-match analysis with the coaching team, whilst Van Dijk also organised an unscheduled players-only discussion to tackle the concerns of a challenging season thus far.

The Liverpool captain acknowledged there were several issues he believed required addressing with the revamped squad.

"On Monday everyone was sad because we lost to Man United at home," said Van Dijk. "We haven't lost many games at home during my time at Liverpool.

"It was tough under the circumstances so on Monday we came together but it wasn't a crisis meeting. We all know how things can change. We're only in October.

"Obviously we also had a proper debrief with the manager but we also had a separate one as players. I wanted to say some things. It wasn't a crisis meeting. It's not something I do after every game. Let's keep it that way!"

Van Dijk continued: "Nobody wants to lose four games in a row but it was the situation we faced. We had to stay calm and block out all the noise from the outside because that's something you can't control.

"The only way to get out of a situation like that is to stay together, keep your mind on the task ahead, try to improve, keep the confidence, embrace the moment. They are all things that are easier to say than actually do. But if you want to get out of it, you have to do it.

"We live in a world now where there is always noise - always something to be said, always someone who knows better. We have to stay focused on ourselves.

"Was atmosphere lower than usual? Before my meeting yes, after my meeting everyone was happy!"

Slot made several brave choices for the encounter at the Deutsche Bank Park, with Mohamed Salah amongst those relegated to the bench following a tactical shift to 4-4-2 that saw Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak paired in attack whilst Florian Wirtz was deployed on the right flank.

Whilst Isak was withdrawn at the interval with a groin injury that may jeopardize his availability for Saturday's Premier League fixture against Brentford, Ekitike found the net for Liverpool's leveller as Wirtz delivered his finest display since his summer arrival from Bayer Leverkusen by providing second-half assists for both Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Regarding the tactical alteration, Van Dijk commented: "It's something we worked on in training since the weekend.

"We all know we have quality players who can adapt to different formations and operate in different roles. Frankfurt changed a bit their style of play by trying to play a bit like Man United did without a real striker, but we did well. We scored some really good goals.

"For Florian, the noise is always going to be there. When you play for Liverpool, it's something you have to embrace. It's part and parcel. He just has to take it and focus on what we think of him and what we want from him."

Ekitike's strike marked his sixth goal in 12 appearances since his summer move from Frankfurt. "It was a great ball from Robbo (Andy Robertson) and a great finish," said Van Dijk.

"With the run he made, Hugo made it impossible for the defender. It came at an important time for us and I'm really happy for Hugo."

Van Dijk found the net for the second time this campaign with a towering header from a Gakpo corner, whilst center-back partner Ibrahima Konate thundered home a similar effort from a Szoboszlai delivery moments later.

Slot has recently urged his side to be more clinical from set-pieces, and Van Dijk commented: "We just had to keep going and keep trying with them.

"We've come close many times from corners so far this season. Myself and Ibou were able to get our heads on the end of them and contribute for the team."

Liverpool's trip to Brentford this Saturday marks the third of seven crucial matches in a 22-day period. The Reds will face former captain Jordan Henderson and ex-Reds players Caomhin Kelleher, Fabio Carvalho and Sepp van den Berg.

"It's always difficult there," Van Dijk admitted. "This was an important win for us. We'll take a lot of positives from it but Saturday is another big challenge. We need to recover physically and mentally, and be ready for a tough one."

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