Virgil van Dijk makes Liverpool admission amid Champions League race - 'Doesn't look that way'

Liverpool dropped more points in the Premier League, this time at Brighton, with Reds skipper Virgil van Dijk admitting he is fed up of having to say the same things

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Virgil van Dijk says he has not given up hope of Liverpool finishing inside the Champions League places this season — but he admits it will be "difficult" unless something changes quickly.

This week, the Reds put in their best performance of the season to date against Galatasaray, only to follow that up with a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Brighton a few days later.

Arne Slot's men have now lost 10 games in the Premier League this term. Somehow, they remain inside the top five spots, with Chelsea and Manchester United also dropping points, but time is running out to cement their place in UEFA's top competition.

"Listen, I don't know what to say — I said over the last months the same thing," Van Dijk told reporters at the Amex Stadium.

"We can't build on a good performance. That is something that has to change if we are to achieve what we are trying to achieve, and that is Champions League football.

"We are trying everything. We are trying to turn it around and we are hopefully going to turn a corner, but it doesn't look that way at the moment.

"Obviously we go away now to our different countries. Everyone has a responsibility to stay as fit as everyone can, and come back even better if that is possible.

Curtis Jones of Liverpool takes a shot as James Milner of Brighton & Hove Albion slides for a challenge(Image: Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

"If there is still a chance then I am always confident, but we have to do better, of course. And if we don't, then it is going to be very difficult. Seven more games and tough ones as well, so things have to change for us to deserve that as well."

Could it be that the international break has come at a good time for Liverpool to reset? Things are never that simple.

"I would rather to try and win games," Van Dijk insisted. "But the next one for me is against Norway. That will be my focus now, but the feeling I have and the rest of the players should have is frustration, because it is the same story now. It happened again.

"[Not having much time between games] is the situation. I was also surprised when I was on the training pitch yesterday, and I only saw the amount of players that I saw, but that is the situation. So yeah, tough."

Milos Kerkez scored for Liverpool against Brighton.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Behind the scenes, Liverpool is continuing to attempt to work out some solutions. So far, though, consistency has proved elusive.

"I've been asked that question many times this season and it still didn't happen," Van Dijk replied when asked what he puts the poor performances down to.

"It's down to us and so we have to do it as players, as a group. If we change that, then obviously we can be a very dangerous force throughout the whole season. But at the moment, we are not.

"I don't think it is the bravery. When Hugo [Ekitike] comes off and you look at the team, there was not a lot of runs in behind. There is not a lot on that side.

"That wasn't the issue why we lost but it changed a bit of our game. When we made changes, the formation changed and the positions changed and then you're asking different things.

"It's a combination of everything but the matter of fact is that we can't build on a good performance that we had midweek. It was a very quick turnaround but that is not an excuse of why we lost.

"It happened too many times and if it keeps happening then there is no chance of success.

"I'm going to Holland now, and everyone is going to different countries. Everyone has to look after themselves. Most of the players play friendlies as well and then we come back and we have a very quick turnaround again because we are back on Thursday and play on Saturday, early kick-off again.

"Then PSG, Fulham and PSG again — very intense days. Let's see how everyone comes back and embrace it, but no one wants to lose games and keep being in that cycle. I'm also frustrated for the fans. They travel all the way here, early, supporting us, and we couldn't deliver again. So it's tough."