Virgil van Dijk has urged Liverpool fans to show the “power” of Anfield during the remainder of the season following criticism of the atmosphere from supporters.
Liverpool has the Premier League title in its sight as it heads into the final nine games of the season, starting with the Merseyside derby against Everton on Wednesday. A win over their city rivals would take Arne Slot’s side another step closer, with a maximum of 16 points needed from 27 in order to claim the crown.
The Reds though head into the business end of the season with their stamina being questioned after being knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain and losing to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final.
Van Dijk and his teammates will be hoping to put those defeats firmly behind them after returning from the international break, and they hope to do that with the help of the supporters.
“We know what is at stake over the next nine games,” Van Dijk said in his column for the club’s matchday programme. “We know the position we are in, and we also know the things that have put us there.
“All season long, I have been talking about focus, humility, hard work, togetherness and full commitment, and those are the things, along with our quality, which will get us to where we want to be.
“You guys can play your part too. I’ve said previously that we want Anfield to be absolutely on fire every time we play between now and the end of the season, and I’d like to repeat that request here.
“We have five home games remaining, starting on Wednesday night, and our wish is that every single one of our opponents feels the power of this stadium. Let’s have the place bouncing, from first whistle to last.
“We know what to expect from Everton. We only have to go back a few weeks to see that.
“The game at Goodison Park in February was really tough and ended in disappointment for us with that late equaliser, but we know we can play better than we did that night, and with you guys roaring us on, that will be the aim.”
Van Dijk’s comments come after the atmosphere from Liverpool supporters was criticized following the defeats to PSG and Newcastle. Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville was among those to have suggested that Anfield’s expansion over the years may not have helped.
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“A lot of people know a lot more about Liverpool than me, but there is a suggestion from hardcore fans that the atmosphere has softened a bit in the last few years with different types of fans coming in and the ground getting bigger,” Neville said on a recent episode of the Stick to Football podcast.
Jamie Carragher has also weighed in on the discussion this season, suggesting that the issue is nothing new at his former club.
“You know what, it’s been a real topic this season, the atmosphere,” Carragher said.
“You think, you’ve got a new manager, is it the thing of like Klopp’s gone, maybe the football’s slightly different? Because we’re all sort of thinking that the atmosphere hasn’t been great at Anfield this season.
“If I’m being totally honest, the thing of the Anfield atmosphere was always built on European games. I think normal Saturday 3 o’clock games, like most fans, you sit there and wait for something to lift you rather than you lift the team, but I agree.”
