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Virgil van Dijk said that the effect of Diogo Jota's death on Liverpool's squad should not be underestimated after the Reds started the new Premier League campaign with three points.
Liverpool emerged victorious from a pulsating encounter against Bournemouth on Friday, as Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, and Mohamed Salah all got on the scoresheet in a 4-2 win.
The victory was achieved against the backdrop of an emotion-packed night at Anfield as Liverpool contested its first league game since the passing of Jota in a car crash at the beginning of July. Jota's widow, Rute Cardoso, was in attendance for the game, while a minute's silence was observed ahead of kick-off, and supporters chanted his name throughout.
Mohamed Salah was visibly moved after the final whistle as he cried while applauding supporters, while Arne Slot said in his post-match TV interview that he wished he would have been able to call on Jota as the team chased a winning goal following Antoine Semenyo's equalizer.
Speaking to club media, Van Dijk addressed the difficulty of trying to compete as normal after the tragedy.
"We start with a win, a lot of good things, good moments with and without the ball," Van Dijk said. "Unfortunately, we conceded two goals on the break where we should have done better overall.
"But under the circumstances, an emotional night for all of us, first game of the season against a team that will never give up, well known for it, in my opinion, with a great manager, we managed to get the three points.
"I think nobody should underestimate what's going on.
"We are there for each other with the players, with the staff – but we need all of our fans as well in order to get us through everything.
"Let's give it everything and give it a go and enjoy the ride as well, because we are very privileged and blessed, like we all know."
Meanwhile, match-winner Chiesa also acknowledged the emotion of the evening after securing Liverpool's win with his first-ever Premier League goal.
“It was really emotional today and after I scored, my thoughts went to Diogo, to Andre, to his family who were here today," Jota told club media. "It was really emotional. The goal was for him.
“In my mind, I think that Diogo was somewhere in here helping me to score this goal. I’d like to think like that. He’s always with us, he’s going to be with us.
“It was tough today but there was a great atmosphere, the fans were amazing throughout the game. Also, I’m really grateful for the song they’re singing. Really, really emotional.”
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