Virgil van Dijk 'not happy' after PSG loss as he picks out 'only positive' for Liverpool

Liverpool suffered a tough loss to PSG in the Champions League and captain Virgil van Dijk admitted he could take only one "positive" from the evening in the French capital

Virgil van Dijk was "not happy" after Liverpool lost to PSG(Image: TNT Sports)

Tuesday night’s 2-0 loss to PSG likely represented the most lopsided defeat for Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk in a long time.

The Reds were utterly dominated by the Parisian hosts, holding just 24% of possession while getting outshot 18-3. To help out in defense against PSG’s vaunted attack, coach Arne Slot deployed a back five around Van Dijk.

Speaking on BT Sport after the loss, the Liverpool captain sounded off on the team’s performance, claiming he was “not happy” with the result while offering one solace — the return leg next week with a semi-manageable deficit.

“Tough, tough work, but it was expected,” Van Dijk explained. “I think we defended with a lot of bodies around the box. Unfortunately, the first goal was a deflection.” A shot from Desire Doue hit off Ryan Gravenberch and flew over the goalkeeper Georgi Mamardashvili

“We had some small moments on the break where we could have done better,” he added. “I'm not happy about losing, the only positive is we have another game next week.”

Liverpool played a back five for the first time in a number of years, slotting Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate next to Van Dijk at centerback with Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez in the wing-back position.

The defender emphasized that this was done to counteract PSG’s diverse attacking threat. “They move around everywhere,” he said.

Virgil van Dijk saw his side well beaten in France(Image: (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images))

“You have to communicate well, follow your man, and take risks sometimes. Then hopefully do them on the counter. We had opportunities to do that, but didn't do it too well.

PSG recorded 18 shots and six on target, hitting the post twice and logging a handful of one-on-one opportunities off counterattacks. Van Dijk hailed Mamardashvili, filling in for an injured Alisson, for keeping his team alive in the tie.

“[His saves were] hopefully very crucial,” he said before referencing last year’s 1-0 away win at the Parc des Princes. “We had a game here last year that we should have lost, but we won. Ali had to play probably the best game of his career, but we couldn't get the job done at Anfield. Now we are 2-0 down and need to give a special performance next week.”

Van Dijk concluded with some optimism for the home leg. “We have to be spot on with everything we do, and hopefully your fans can play a big part,” he said.

“I've been through many special evenings at Anfield, I'm very lucky and privileged. Our fans are the backbone of our club, and hopefully they can be there for us again.”