Virgil van Dijk believes Liverpool can mount a remarkable comeback against Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League tie and progress to the next round in next week’s second leg.
The Reds were fortunate to only suffer a 2-0 defeat in the first leg after a dismal performance and will fancy their chances of progressing from the tie.
Liverpool overturned a three-goal deficit against Barcelona in 2019 with a stunning 4-0 win in the second leg and Van Dijk has backed his side to replicate the feat against all odds.
“Back then, you play one of the best teams in Europe, with obviously one of the best players ever in that team and we had injuries like you said, and now we play against the best team in Europe”, Van Dijk said.
“They’re obviously the European champion, so I think it is similar in terms of, on paper, probably no one gives us a chance.
“So, it starts with the belief, it starts with the belief that comes within yourself.”
Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored both goals for PSG in the first leg tie and they could easily have had more, but were wasteful in front of goal with Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembele the most guilty party.
“Starts with the belief that we get from our manager, the right game plan, and the intensity that we have to put in from the first second to the last if you really want to achieve something”, Van Dijk added.
“That’s what I want. And that’s what I’m going to tell my boys. We have to show it. We have show the desire, show the fight — that’s the least you have to do as a Liverpool player.”
Liverpool have now lost three games in a row and will now hope to end their poor run when they face Fulham on Saturday, before their return leg against PSG on Tuesday.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
