LONDON: Virgil van Dijk has urged Liverpool to hit back after their “unacceptable” defeat against Nottingham Forest as the Reds prepare to start their Champions League campaign.
Just days after their shock 1-0 loss to Forest in the Premier League, Arne Slot’s side begin the new Champions League format with a trip to AC Milan on Tuesday.
After winning the first three games of the Slot era, Liverpool were brought down to earth with a bump by Forest at Anfield on Saturday.
Liverpool captain Van Dijk wants the defeat to serve as fuel to beat Milan and quickly get their campaign back on track.
“We have a very good group that really understand that it was unacceptable and are disappointed,” the Dutch center-back said.
“We all know everyone can do better and we have to show that on Tuesday and that is what we focus on.
“We have been through losses and difficult moments together and I think we have to stay calm and we will stay calm.
“Hopefully if there are no injuries happening then rhythm is always a good thing.
“We need the whole squad and we know after the international break it will be a game every three days so we need everyone in their best shape and best form.”
Liverpool had looked impressive in their wins against Ipswich, Brentford and Manchester United.
They managed to avoid conceding a goal in any of those games, before Forest forward Callum Hudson-Odoi finally breached Van Dijk’s defense at the weekend.
Asked what they had to do to prevent the defeat impacting their early-season momentum, Van Dijk said: “Keep going and keep working and make sure the performances don’t go in that direction.
“We all know how the atmosphere can change but that is also part of the influence from outside which could affect you.
“I can’t wait to be out there hearing the Champions League tune and leading out the boys.
“A club like Liverpool needs to be in the Champions League and we are finally back and let’s go out there and put in a much better performance as it is needed otherwise you are going to have an issue.”
Van Dijk urges Liverpool to hit back after ‘unacceptable’ Forest loss
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Van Dijk urges Liverpool to hit back after ‘unacceptable’ Forest loss
- Liverpool captain Van Dijk wants the defeat to serve as fuel to beat Milan and quickly get their campaign back on track
Alcaraz and Sabalenka set sights on Australian Open fourth round
- Spanish world number one Alcaraz came through a tough three-set arm-wrestle in round two
- Top seed Sabalenka, a two-time Australian Open champion, faces Russia-born Austrian Anastasia Potapova
MELBOURNE: Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka return to the Australian Open battlefield on Friday with fourth round berths at stake, joined in the fight by third seeds Coco Gauff and Alexander Zverev.
Spanish world number one Alcaraz came through a tough three-set arm-wrestle in round two and faces another tricky encounter against French 32nd seed Corentin Moutet.
The 22-year-old has again been handed an afternoon match on Rod Laver Arena, once more following Sabalenka on to Melbourne Park’s center court.
The Belarusian top seed Sabalenka, a two-time Australian Open champion, faces Russia-born Austrian Anastasia Potapova to kick-off day six where temperatures are forecast to soar.
Alcaraz, who is bidding for a career Grand Slam of all four majors, said his testing 7-6 (7/4), 6-3, 6-2 victory over Yannick Hanfmann in round two served him well.
“I’m still getting used to the conditions, getting used to playing better,” said the six-time Grand Slam winner.
“Just happy that I’m just improving every day after every match. So hopefully being better in the next round.”
Alcaraz has never gone past the quarter-finals in his four trips to Australia.
Should he beat Moutet, he will meet either American 19th seed Tommy Paul or Spanish 14th seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina to make the last eight once again.
Sabalenka, as the overwhelming favorite, was upset by Madison Keys in last year’s final but insists revenge is not her motivation.
“I look at each match as a new match, new opportunity. I have also been working really hard,” she said.
“For me, it doesn’t matter what was in the past. For me, it’s the new match.”
Like Sabalenka, Gauff has been impressive so far, saying she was “near perfect” in making the third round.
She faces fellow American Hailey Baptiste, ranked 70, on Margaret Court Arena.
World number three Gauff takes to the court after Russia’s three-time runner-up Daniil Medvedev, who lines up against Hungary’s Fabian Marozan.
Last year’s beaten finalist Zverev has dropped a set in both his opening two matches and will have a tough encounter in an evening clash on John Cain Arena against British 26th seed Cameron Norrie.
Women’s seventh seed Jasmine Paolini and men’s 10th seed Alexander Bublik are also in action.
Home hope and sixth seed Alex De Minaur has again been awarded the night match on center court, this time against dangerous American Frances Tiafoe.
Eighth seed Mirra Andreeva rounds out the day’s action on Rod Laver Arena in a clash with Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse.
