Van Dijk Urges Liverpool to Stay Focused After Historic Win at Etihad

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk calls for focus after historic 2-0 win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has called on the team's players and fans to create a hostile atmosphere at Anfield during the Premier League title run-in. With 11 games remaining, Liverpool hold an 11-point lead over second-placed Arsenal, who have a game in hand. Van Dijk emphasized the importance of making Anfield a difficult place for opponents to play, saying, “I think it only helps us and them as well to make Anfield horrible for the opponent, like most of the time we have been doing that, and obviously the way we play obviously helps with that as well.”

Liverpool's recent performances at Anfield have been somewhat nervy, with the team looking anxious during their 2-1 win over Wolves last week. The Reds have also dropped points in recent matches against Everton and Aston Villa. Van Dijk acknowledged that these nerves are normal, stating, “I mentioned it after that (Wolves) game, that obviously it's pretty normal, humans, there could be some anxious feelings kicking in.” However, he believes that creating a hostile atmosphere at Anfield can help to alleviate these nerves and drive the team towards a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title.

Virgil van Dijk this season though. 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/t4P6Zwqh63

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 24, 2025

With seven of their remaining league matches taking place at Anfield, Van Dijk is urging the fans to create an electric atmosphere that will intimidate their opponents. He said, “So let's make sure those seven (home games) are going to be amazing, as loud as possible, and I don't think we have to speak about it, because normally that is the case.” By calling on the fans to play their part, Van Dijk is hoping to create a formidable home advantage that will propel Liverpool towards the title.

Liverpool secured a historic 2-0 win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, their first top-flight victory at the venue in nearly 10 years. The win was courtesy of goals from Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai, and it came on the back of Arsenal's surprise defeat to West Ham the previous day. As the final whistle approached, Liverpool fans were in jubilant mood, chanting “We're going to win the league” in anticipation of celebrating just their second English league title since 1990.

Reaction from the Reds 📲🔴 pic.twitter.com/fhvfAwddtI

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 24, 2025

According to Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, the team's recent results have given the fans renewed belief in their title aspirations. “A couple of days ago there was noise also about other things and it could go the other way,” Van Dijk said, referring to the potential distractions and pressures that come with a title chase. “Obviously, the result on Saturday and the result (at the Etihad) gives them (the fans) the belief.”

Despite the growing excitement among the fans, Van Dijk emphasized the importance of staying focused on the task at hand. “It's down to us to just keep focusing on the game ahead of us. That's what we do and that's what I told the boys as well,” he said. With a crucial home match against Newcastle looming on Wednesday, Van Dijk highlighted the need for the team to recover quickly and be ready for another tough test. “It's all about recovery now and being ready for Newcastle. It will be a big test again and we need our fans to be in great shape.”