Captain calls on fans to help the players create another memorable European night
Virgil van Dijk has admitted Liverpool must produce something “very special” to overturn their deficit against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
Liverpool are 2-0 down heading into Tuesday’s quarter-final second leg at Anfield after a poor first-leg performance in France. Van Dijk said the team must improve significantly to have any chance of progressing.
“We need something very special to happen otherwise we will have no chance,” said Van Dijk. “If we play like we did in Paris then we will have no chance anyway, in my opinion.”
The Liverpool captain said the home crowd at Anfield could be a decisive factor in their favour, and he urged supporters to help create another memorable European night.
“The fans will probably be the most important factor, together with our performance,” said Van Dijk. “I’ve been very lucky to experience those nights where the connection between the fans and the performance has been unbelievable.
“There is an opportunity on Tuesday to come up with a good game plan and fight for it for 90 minutes. I am really looking forward to it. It’s a privilege to be in the quarter-finals regardless. We shouldn’t take that for granted. We have to remember we are Liverpool. We have to make it a memorable night.”
The build-up to the match has been overshadowed by tensions between supporters and the club over ticket price increases. Protests have affected the atmosphere at Anfield in recent weeks, with fewer banners displayed and some fans boycotting stadium concessions.
Van Dijk acknowledged the situation and backed the supporters’ right to voice their concerns.
“I think the fans are the heart and soul of the club and if they feel like this, to protest, obviously it’s their right,” said Van Dijk. “Hopefully they come to a solution with the club, but these things are far above me as the captain of the club.
“In my opinion our fans are the club and have always been, before my time, after my time. It’s important that these things get solved because it benefits no one.”
