Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk has dismissed the notion that this season will be soured for the Reds, despite their recent exits from two cup competitions. The Anfield side remains at the top of the Premier League and was in contention for a treble until last month.
Paris Saint-Germain dashed their Champions League dreams at Anfield, and then Newcastle United upset them in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, leaving manager Slot with only the league title in sight. His side took a step closer to winning the Premier League by beating Everton on Wednesday.
Despite the high levels of performance and consistency from Liverpool, it seems they will likely end the season with just the league title. Michael Owen commented on the situation, saying to Premier League Productions: “It’s been a frustrating couple of weeks.
“Liverpool was poised to have a phenomenal season. If it wins the Premier League it’ll still be fantastic but with a little bit of a bitter taste because it was building into something special.”
Owen questioned Van Dijk about whether the cup defeats had diminished the lustre of their season, to which the Dutch defender strongly objected, retorting: “So you’re suggesting the season is not going to be special any more?” Owen clarified his stance, responding: “It will be, absolutely, it will be special, but I thought it could’ve been building into something very special.”
Liverpool’s towering defender spoke confidently about the team’s aspirations, determined to steer the narrative towards their favor. Van Dijk expressed, “Well, I think we have to change that narrative a little bit.
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“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.”
Speaking after the win over Everton, Van Dijk added: “You play against Everton and they make it very difficult for you… it’s always been tough. They have a certain way of playing that you have to be ready for in all aspects.
“Everyone wants to be in our position and we worked so hard to be in our position. Now we have to keep going. The season so far has been outstanding and we just have to keep going.”
