Liverpool FC captain Virgil van Dijk has urged the team to finish strongly as the club closes in on a record-equalling 20th top-flight league title. After a 1-0 win against neighbours Everton, the skipper spoke to Sky Sports and said:
“Everyone wants to be in our position. Now, we have to keep going and keep the same mentality as we have been doing all season.
“We have to keep going. We have a tough one again in London on Sunday [against Fulham].”
Van Dijk also acknowledged the challenge posed by Everton, adding:
“They make it very difficult for you. They have a certain way of playing, and you have to be ready for all the aspects.”
In a separate post-game interview with Michael Owen for Premier League productions, who had suggested if some of the recent cup exits had taken the shine off what could have been an incredible season for Liverpool, van Dijk pushed back on the notion:
“Well, I think we have to change that narrative a little bit.”
“We’re fighting for the biggest prize of the season, we worked so hard for it, 20 teams are working so hard to be on top of the Premier League.”
“We have eight games to go, we know what’s at stake, we have to go for it, we have to fight, we have to enjoy the whole ride and then let’s see. Like I said, it’s still looking very special in my eyes.”
“I think what you said, at the start of the season, I think no one expected us to even try to fight on all four fronts, obviously we’re at the stage now where we’re still fighting for the biggest, and that’s the reality. It’s still a possibility that this season will be very, very special.”
The Reds will travel to London next, taking on Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday.