Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says there’s an added sense of expectation at Anfield as they put together for 2 crunch video games over the subsequent 5 days.
The Reds tackle Actual Madrid within the Champions League tonight earlier than Sunday’s Premier League conflict with four-time defending champions Manchester Metropolis.
Writing in his matchday programme notes earlier than tonight’s recreation on Merseyside, the Dutch centre-half mentioned: “I really like each single week of enjoying for Liverpool, and I at all times will, however I’d be mendacity if I mentioned that as a bunch we weren’t conscious of the thrill constructing over what’s to return over the subsequent few days.
Virgil van Dijk’s Actual Madrid preview 🗣️
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 27, 2024
“To play at Anfield in opposition to first Actual Madrid, after which on Sunday in opposition to Manchester Metropolis, is one thing we as gamers are actually trying ahead to, and I’m certain our supporters really feel precisely the identical.
“Big challenges, however challenges we are going to face head-on, I can guarantee you.”
Probability to maneuver again to the highest of the desk
A win in opposition to a Madrid facet that received the competitors final season would transfer Arne Slot’s males two factors clear on the prime of the brand new 36-team league desk.
Van Dijk added: “Now, our focus [is on] Actual Madrid, and what ought to be one other incredible Champions League evening beneath the lights at Anfield.
“We can’t underplay or underestimate this one. I’m properly conscious that I’ve by no means crushed Actual Madrid as a participant, and that as a staff we now have misplaced some huge video games in opposition to them. Our document in opposition to them is clearly one thing we wish to change, however I can guarantee you that that’s not one thing that may have an effect on our preparations for this recreation.
“It’s the Champions League, it’s a large recreation, a phenomenal fixture for the impartial, and it’s one which we wish to come out on prime of.”
No Vinicius Jr for Madrid
Liverpool will fancy their probabilities in opposition to a Madrid facet shorn of injured winger Vinicius Jr and that has already misplaced to Lille and AC Milan this season.
Van Dijk added: “We’re trying ahead to this. Our outcomes this season have been actually good, and that provides us lots of confidence, regardless of the opponent.
“After all, we all know the standard of the staff we can be up in opposition to. They’re the reigning European champions, and so they have world-class gamers in each place. We can’t ignore that, and we now have to guarantee that we’re able to struggle from the very first whistle. We all know that Anfield can be loud and that the followers can be proper behind us.”