Virgil van Dijk outlines what Liverpool 'must' achieve in final months of season

The Liverpool captain still believes this can be a special campaign for the Reds, with Arne Slot's side competing on three fronts. Sunday's game against Manchester City will be the latest test.

Virgil van Dijk said Liverpool must secure a Champions League place(Image: Getty Images)

Virgil van Dijk said Liverpool must secure a Champions League spot this season and feels, despite the Reds’ issues this term, it can still be a special campaign.

Liverpool currently sits sixth in the table, one point behind fifth, which is likely to offer an additional place in Europe’s premier competition. However, with six teams within six points of the champions, the race for the Champions League places should be highly competitive over the coming months.

The Reds will need to put together a positive run of results, and while there is some doubt among the fanbase that this is possible, given they have won just one of the last six, Van Dijk believes Liverpool can reach new levels between now and May.

“One hundred percent,” Van Dijk replied when asked in an interview with Gary Neville if earning a Champions League spot is a “must”.

“I want to play Champions League football but everyone else wants to play that as well, so we're working very hard to make sure that we do that, but I still feel that this season could still be special.

“We're in the Champions League, we're in FA Cup still, obviously a big game against Brighton next week and the Champions League, we’ll see what happens, but I feel that this season could be special.

Van Dijk wants to ensure Liverpool is back in the Champions League next season(Image: Getty Images)

“Even after all the difficulties we had over the summer, during the first part of the season, injuries, I feel like this still can be something special.

“But we need consistency, we need to work, we have to enjoy it as well, because we are very, very privileged to be able to go out there every time, represent the club and play good football.”

Van Dijk is set to renew acquaintances with Manchester City and Erling Haaland this weekend, and the Liverpool skipper is keen to put in an improved performance from the 3-0 loss at the Etihad in November.

Van Dijk and Haaland will face each other again at Anfield this weekend(Image: Getty Images)

“He's an amazing striker and obviously I've played against Erling for so many years now, and he's a modern-day striker like we all know; he's strong, fast, obviously a goal scorer, a born goal scorer and it will be tough,” said the Dutchman

“I think the game over there was very tough, obviously, it could be a totally different game if we take it back up.

“In the end, the second half, you know, we lost well deserved there, but Sunday is another opportunity.

“A game that's always been difficult, been a very good atmosphere. And I think it's something to look forward to. It will be good to be there again with each other.”