9 hours ago
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Virgil van Dijk has called for a much-improved Liverpool performance to go hand in hand with a ‘rocking’ Anfield when they face Manchester United on Sunday.
The Reds return to action after the October international break with a game in L4 against its long-standing rivals. Van Dijk and his teammates will be aiming to rediscover their rhythm following three consecutive defeats in all competitions before the break.
Meanwhile Ruben Amorim's will be looking to build its momentum following a 2-0 win against Sunderland at Old Trafford. However, the Red Devils are still chasing their first away league win of the season.
In his column for the matchday programme, the captain said: "We know this will be a tough game, as every match in this league is, but we expect Anfield to be rocking and hopefully we can give you plenty to shout about.
"We know we need to show a positive reaction after a difficult week before the international break. To lose the way we did at Chelsea, having worked so hard to fight our way back into the game, was extremely disappointing – particularly given the results against Crystal Palace and Galatasaray beforehand.
"But this is football, and these things can happen, especially when you're competing in competitions like the Premier League and Champions League, against the best teams and players. Nothing comes easy, and nor should it."
Van Dijk is calling for more consistency from his squad and hopes that the Reds success with respective international teams will help reset the team ahead of the next run of fixtures.
The 34-year-old added: "What matters now is what comes next. I've spoken many times about what is required at this club – hard work, humility, togetherness, consistency – and that applies just as much in the not-so-good moments as it does in the good ones.
"We're certainly not panicking, but we also need to be open and honest with ourselves. We know, as a group, that there is room for improvement in our performance levels, and that is what we'll be striving for.
"But we also know the quality in this dressing room, the strength and character this group possesses. It's up to us to show that in the coming days and weeks.
"A lot of our players, myself included, had a good and productive time away with our national teams, and now we'll look to return to club action with a positive mindset, ready to attack the many challenges ahead of us.
"Those challenges will be tough, of course, but also very exciting, in my opinion. Like I say, as players we want to be involved in the biggest games against the best opponents, and I know you all feel the same as supporters.
"I know that you'll be there for us, supporting and pushing us on. We aim to be at our best, and we need you to be exactly the same, starting this weekend. Together, let's get to work."
English (US) ·