1 hour ago
2
Virgil van Dijk believes Liverpool can force its way back into the title race if the team focuses on improving performances and getting back to its best after the November international break.
Sunday’s 3-0 loss at Manchester City leaves the reigning champion in eighth place, eight points behind leader Arsenal. After suffering five defeats in the last six league outings - more than in the entirety of last season - few believe Liverpool is capable of reclaiming its crown.
Roy Keane stated after the match that Liverpool is not capable of challenging for the title, while Arne Slot said the battle for top spot is the “last thing” the Reds should be thinking about.
Van Dijk agreed with his manager’s assessment but reiterated that there are plenty of games still left to be played, and that Liverpool should only be concerned by the league standings in the spring months.
"There's no point looking at the table for us," said the Liverpool captain. "If you lose as many games as we have lost, I don't think we can look at the table at this point, but I have been in the game quite a long time [to know] that seasons aren't decided in November or December.
"It's when it comes to March, April when it starts to become very interesting, how it all shapes up up there.
"We want to be there, but there's a long way to go and a lot of hard work to be put in.
"So we have to stay humble and we have to keep working and that is the only aim and the only thing we should focus on.
"You have to put a lot of things into perspective," Van Dijk continued. "We are only 11 games in. It is still only November, there are so many games to be played, but it is very obvious that there is work to be done and we have to work on improving and that is the only thing we can focus on. So on to the next one and we have to keep working."
Liverpool’s dismal display came after impressive wins over Aston Villa and Real Madrid, with many hoping the Reds’ season had turned a corner. But City blew Liverpool away at the Etihad, putting the recent upturn into perspective.
"That is why it feels maybe a bit more disappointing at this point because you work so hard on those two games as a whole, as a team to get the clean sheet and the goals that we scored," Van Dijk conceded.
"At the end of the day, games - and especially these games - are decided by small margins.
"I think you can see there was some brilliance today, with the third goal especially from [Jeremy] Doku, who is in the shape of his life, but the second goal was a little deflection, which was unlucky and that is the reality.
"I don't think there is any reason to get carried away. We faced some difficult opponents this week and we got two wins from three and we have to just keep going.
"It's a difficult season so far for many reasons, but I am confident we can turn this around. It doesn't happen overnight, we have to keep working, and we need everyone to be fit to keep helping us, so that is the key for all of us in the dressing room."
English (US) ·