Virgil van Dijk sends rallying cry to Liverpool fans with 'special' message before Newcastle

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is hoping for another "special" game as Newcastle visits Anfield in the Premier League, with the Champions League race hotting up

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.(Image: Steven Halliwell/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has issued a rallying cry to Reds fans heading to Anfield on Saturday, with Arne Slot's side hoping to win its first match of the calendar year in the Premier League.

Having qualified for the Champions League last-16 without the need for the play-off round by hammering Qarabag on Wednesday, Van Dijk is hoping that the positive momentum can carry into the Newcastle game — but he knows it will be difficult.

"We know that a tough game awaits us in the last 16, whether it is Juventus, Club Brugge, Atletico Madrid or Galatasaray," Van Dijk writes in the official matchday program.

"But now with the Champions League to one side for a few weeks, we can concentrate on what is in front of us in the Premier League.

"That starts with Newcastle, and the test for us now is to follow on from the Qarabag performance, build on it and show some consistency.

"Like I say, we know that we are playing against a very good side this evening, one that will fight and compete for everything, and which went to Paris Saint-Germain and got a result in midweek.

Virgil van Dijk during the Champions League match between Liverpool and Qarabag at Anfield on January 28, 2026(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

"We beat them at their place earlier in the season, but it was an extremely tough game in a tough atmosphere, and we had to dig deep to get the victory, with Rio Ngumoha scoring the winner very late on.

"We are expecting another battle tonight. We know the challenges Newcastle will pose. They are strong and physical, and they have good, experienced players across the pitch.

"A key difference this time, though, is that it will be you guys who are creating the atmosphere.

"I've said it many times before but that makes such a difference to us as players. We want Anfield to be the place that no opposition player wants to play, and we have seen what can happen when that is the case.

"We know that we have to deliver on the pitch first and foremost, but I can't wait to see and hear you all this evening. Together, let's go out there and make it another special Anfield night."

Liverpool.com says: The Reds really need to win this game. A draw would keep the gap to Newcastle at three points, but a win for the Magpies would really ramp up the pressure in the Champions League race.

Arne Slot simply has to find a way of steering his team into the top five spots this season. This feels like a six-pointer in that battle, with Chelsea playing just before and Manchester United in action tomorrow.