Virgil van Dijk spells out strong Liverpool demand after Man City repeat - 'I keep saying it'

Virgil van Dijk Spells Out Strong Liverpool Demand After Man City Repeat - 'I Keep Saying It'

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has issued a passionate call for consistency and intensity ahead of their crucial Premier League clash with Manchester City at Anfield, emphasizing the need to replicate recent strong home performances.[1][2]

In his official matchday programme notes, Van Dijk reiterated his season-long mantra: "I have spoken regularly this season about the need for consistency and I am going to repeat that point here."[1][2] He praised the team's recent victories over Qarabag and Newcastle United, highlighting the "proper Anfield atmosphere" created by fans against Newcastle and urging its repetition: "We are going to need that again for sure."[1][2]

Van Dijk, preparing for his 19th appearance against City, stressed the demands of facing Pep Guardiola's side: "We have to be intense, both with and without the ball, we have to be committed and concentrated from the first whistle."[1][2] He acknowledged past lapses in standards but focused on building positives through hard work, knowing City's quality and motivation.[2]

Tragically, Liverpool fell 2-1 to City on February 8, 2026. The Reds led 1-0 via Dominik Szoboszlai's 76th-minute free-kick, but Bernardo Silva equalized in the 84th, and Erling Haaland converted a 90+3rd-minute penalty.[3][4] Post-match, Van Dijk reflected candidly: the first half lacked control, the second improved, but City ramped up pressure after going behind. "You are never in complete control against City," he said, blaming the penalty as the decider while noting both teams chased a winner late on.[3][4]

Van Dijk urged focus forward: "We can only blame ourselves, and now we must focus on the game against Sunderland."[3] The defeat complicates Liverpool's Champions League push under Jürgen Klopp, underscoring Van Dijk's pre-match demands.[3][4]

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