Van Dijk: Strive to achieve your goals despite setbacks: We cannot wallow in self-pity.

Liverpool will host Chelsea at Anfield in the 36th round of the 2025/26 Premier League season. Dutch star Virgil van Dijk stated that while the team's inability to consistently build momentum is frustrating, they shouldn't wallow in self-pity and must strive to achieve their goals for the team and fans.

In the previous round of key league matches, Liverpool came back from two goals down to equalize through goals from Szoboszlai and Gakopo, but then conceded another goal and ultimately lost 2-3 to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

After winning three and losing two of their last five matches, Liverpool are fourth in the standings with 58 points, tied with fifth-placed Aston Villa. They need another victory to qualify for the Champions League.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said, "This is our penultimate home game of the season, and we know very well what it takes to be a team. Every time we play for this club, we have a responsibility to perform, especially at Anfield, and we are all determined to deliver a game that is enjoyable and exciting."

“The way we lost at Old Trafford last week was very disappointing, especially after we had worked so hard to get the game back in contention. The first half was very difficult, and we knew we were far from being up to par. But when it was 2-2, we knew we had a chance to win. So conceding a third goal and going home empty-handed was really hard to accept.”

Van Dijk pointed out, "In many ways, this is a microcosm of our season. We have never been able to build real momentum. We've had some good moments and won some great games, but we just haven't been able to sustain them or really establish consistency. This is frustrating for the people at the club because we all know that consistency is the most important sign of a successful team, but we will continue to move forward."

“We know we still have a task to complete, which is to qualify for the Champions League next season, and we hope to achieve that goal as soon as possible. We have three games left, and we want to win them all.”

In addition, Chelsea, who have suffered six consecutive defeats, are currently 9th in the standings with 48 points and also need 3 points to strive for a higher ranking.

Van Dijk said, "Chelsea, like us, have gone through a difficult period this season, but we know they have a lot of talented players in their squad. After their disappointing result last week, they will be even more motivated. We also know that if we want to get 3 points, we must give our best performance."

“As I said, that’s our goal. This season has been very disappointing, even unacceptable in my opinion, but we can’t wallow in self-pity because of it; that’s not the spirit of Liverpool.”

Van Dijk added, "We are all frustrated, but we still hope to end the season in the most positive way possible and qualify for the Champions League, at least leaving something worthwhile for everyone after this tough season."

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