Liverpool Captain Virgil van Dijk Praises Team’s Response after AC Milan Victory
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has expressed his satisfaction with the team’s response following their defeat to Nottingham Forest. The Dutch defender was pleased that the players bounced back and showcased a much-improved performance against AC Milan in the San Siro.
After the disappointing loss to Nottingham Forest, where Liverpool appeared to lack direction and a clear plan, van Dijk was relieved to see a different approach in the Champions League clash. Despite conceding a goal early on, the team remained composed and stuck to head coach Arne Slot’s principles, ultimately winning the match 3-1. This response effectively silenced the critics who had been vocal after the Forest game.
Van Dijk acknowledged that the perfect response would have involved not conceding early on, but he still praised the team’s overall performance. He highlighted the importance of staying calm and executing their game plan rather than resorting to aimless running. The Liverpool captain emphasized that their focus should be on delivering on the pitch and not getting distracted by external criticism.
The team’s persistence and consistency in team selection came under scrutiny after the Forest defeat. However, Arne Slot remained steadfast in his approach, making just two changes for the AC Milan game. One of those changes, Cody Gakpo, proved to be a revelation in his first start of the season. Van Dijk commended Gakpo’s performance, stating that he had been impressed with the player’s abilities even in previous matches. He emphasized the need for patience when players like Gakpo have limited game time due to the excellent form of their teammates.
Liverpool’s opening goals against AC Milan came from set-pieces, with both center-backs Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk finding the net. The club had advertised for a new set-piece coach during the summer, but the position has not yet been filled. However, a simple change to the team’s set-piece strategy, making all corners and wide free-kicks inswingers, has already yielded positive results. Van Dijk highlighted the importance of being effective during set-pieces and acknowledged the challenges of facing double-marking and imperfect deliveries.
Overall, Liverpool’s victory against AC Milan showcased their ability to respond positively after a disappointing result. The team’s composure, adherence to their game plan, and effectiveness during set-pieces were key factors in their success. Van Dijk’s leadership and calming influence played a significant role in the team’s performance, as he acknowledged his responsibility in maintaining a calm and focused mindset. Liverpool’s ability to bounce back from setbacks and deliver on the pitch bodes well for their future performances.