Virgil van Dijk refusing to 'shy away from truth' in message to Liverpool stars

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Virgil van Dijk confesses he's been wrestling with "mixed emotions" throughout the international break following Liverpool's crushing defeat at Manchester City, which arrived after back-to-back victories. "Disappointment, for sure, at the manner in which we lost at Manchester City, but also encouragement at what came before that, with important, hard-fought and deserved victories over both Aston Villa and Real Madrid.

Liverpool lost to Manchester City last time out (Image: Getty Images) "We don't shy away from the truth at this club. We know that there is improvement to be found in our performance levels, and we know that the only way to find that improvement is through hard work and togetherness.

"I have said many times that I believe in the quality and the character of this squad, but we have to show it where it matters, which is out there on the field. We fight for the win, we fight for the three points, and we go from there." Liverpool welcomes Nottingham Forest, who became the first side to defeat them during the Slot era, to Anfield on Saturday.