Virgil van Dijk has said he and his Liverpool teammates want to reward fans for their loyal support in recent weeks by putting in a significantly improved performance against Sunderland on Wednesday.
The Reds have lost the last two home matches by three goals, with Van Dijk particularly critical of his teammates after the 3-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest.
But Sunday’s 2-0 win at West Ham United has quickly changed the mood around the Liverpool squad, and Van Dijk hopes the Reds will bring those enhanced standards into the midweek clash against a Sunderland side that has defied expectations this season.
“There’s nothing in football like that winning feeling and having taken a step in the right direction down at West Ham on Sunday, we are determined to build on that,” Van Dijk wrote in his matchday program column.
“I said heading into the weekend that we would give everything to work our way out of this difficult period, and I believe the performance we put in down in London underlined that.
“Whether you are in a good moment or a not-so-good moment, it always comes back to the same things: hard work and togetherness. If you give everything and if you do it as a team, the rewards will come sooner or later.
Virgil van Dijk
Van Dijk wants to see an improved Liverpool display against Sunderland (Image: Getty Images)
“They came on Sunday, but it is only one game, and we know we need to follow it up now and show some consistency.
“I hope, however, that you guys can see how much we want to turn things around, and how hard we are willing to work for that.”
Van Dijk has not missed a single minute of his season’s Premier League campaign, although his performances have dipped this term slightly. He has still felt the support from fans throughout and has called on them to create another intense Anfield atmosphere when Sunderland travels south.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Fans of Liverpool show their support as they holds scarves prior to the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield on September 23, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Van Dijk praised Liverpool fans' response to the recent run of poor results (Image: Getty Images)
“We know we have let ourselves down at times in recent weeks, but the way you guys have stuck with us is both extremely important and hugely appreciated.
“We will need you again this evening as we take on a Sunderland team that is enjoying a very good season following promotion from the Championship.
“No game in the Premier League is ever easy, and we need to be ready to follow up what we did at West Ham, to stay humble and to go again.
“That means, first and foremost, doing the basics – competing, running hard, defending as a team – and then hopefully letting our quality shine through.
“Our last two games at Anfield were extremely disappointing, and we can’t ignore that. We know that you deserve a lot better than what you saw against Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven, and that is what we intend to show you tonight. Let’s do this. Together.”