Virgil van Dijk has urged Liverpool to produce “something very special” if they are to rescue their UEFA Champions League campaign against Paris Saint-Germain.
NOP NIGERIA reports that Liverpool head into Tuesday’s quarter-final second leg at Anfield trailing 2-0 on aggregate after being outplayed in the first meeting in Paris.
Van Dijk admitted a major improvement is required and believes supporters could be decisive on the night.
“We need something very special to happen otherwise we will have no chance. If we play like we did in Paris then we will have no chance anyway, in my opinion,” the Liverpool captain said, according to ESPN.
“The fans will probably be the most important factor, together with our performance. I’ve been very lucky to experience those nights where the connection between the fans and the performance has been unbelievable.
“There is an opportunity on Tuesday to come up with a good game plan and fight for it for 90-plus minutes. I am really looking forward to it. It’s a privilege to be in the quarter-finals regardless. We shouldn’t take that for granted.
“We have to remember we are Liverpool. We have to make it a memorable night.”
Van Dijk stated this amid supporter protests over ticket price increases at Anfield. There were noticeably fewer flags and banners on the Kop during Saturday’s Premier League win over Fulham, while some fans have boycotted stadium food and drink outlets.
“I think the fans are the heart and soul of the club and if they feel like this, to protest, obviously it’s their right,” Van Dijk said. “Hopefully they come to a solution with the club, but these things are far above me as the captain of the club.
“In my opinion our fans are the club and have always been, before my time, after my time. It’s important that these things get solved because it benefits no-one.”
