Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has insisted that the Reds are not worried about falling behind the Premier League’s top teams, even after a dramatic 2-1 loss to Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
The defeat marked Liverpool’s eighth league loss of the season, leaving Arne Slot’s side five points behind fourth-placed Manchester United and four points adrift of Chelsea in fifth. With both rivals having matches in hand, the race for a top-four finish—and a guaranteed spot in next season’s Champions League—could become even tighter.
Liverpool now prepares to face Sunderland, who previously held the Reds to a draw at Anfield, in what Van Dijk describes as a critical stage of the season.
A Crucial Moment for Liverpool
Van Dijk believes that the decisive phase of the Premier League season is now underway. The Dutch defender emphasized that Liverpool must raise their performance levels and find ways to consistently secure victories in the coming fixtures.
“Now that we’ve entered the crucial moments of the season, every game counts. We need to make sure we’re closing the gap to the top four or five,” Van Dijk told ESPN on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
“We must improve our performance and figure out how to win matches consistently. That is our main focus right now,” he added.
Although Liverpool has secured a spot in the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League, Van Dijk acknowledged that maintaining a strong league position remains essential, both for confidence and as a backup route to Europe’s elite competition.
Recurring Issues at the End of Matches
One key concern for Liverpool has been their inability to hold onto leads. The loss against Manchester City saw Liverpool concede a late goal in the final six minutes, continuing a troubling pattern throughout the season. The Reds have dropped eight points due to goals scored against them in stoppage time this campaign.
Van Dijk acknowledged the recurring issue but was quick to reject suggestions that opponents have identified a specific weakness in Liverpool’s game.
“You can’t really compare all the goals we’ve conceded,” Van Dijk said. “Maybe the goals Palace and Bournemouth scored are similar, but this one is different. The fact is, we conceded at the end, and we must improve in these moments.”
“It’s easy to say now that we dropped off and let them equalize, but you have to remember we were playing against City, a team very comfortable in possession. Sometimes the decisions we make could be better,” he added.
Staying Focused Amid Pressure
Van Dijk stressed that despite the setbacks, Liverpool’s mentality remains strong. The team is fully aware that they cannot afford to drop points unnecessarily if they aim to secure a top-four finish.
“Our focus must be on each game and making sure we’re performing at the highest level. That’s the only way to close the gap,” he explained.
The defender also highlighted that while losses are part of football, the key is learning from them rather than attributing them to a supposed weakness that rivals have discovered.
“We’re not thinking that teams have figured us out. It’s about staying sharp, making the right choices, and executing better in the final moments,” Van Dijk said.
Looking Ahead
Liverpool faces a challenging run of fixtures in the coming weeks, making it imperative to regain momentum in the Premier League. With Van Dijk’s leadership at the back and Slot’s tactical approach, the Reds aim to stabilize their campaign and fight for a Champions League spot.
“We know what’s at stake, and we are ready to take responsibility. Our focus is on the next match, and then the one after that. That’s how we’ll approach the rest of the season,” Van Dijk concluded.
As Liverpool looks to bounce back, Van Dijk’s words underline the confidence and resilience within the squad, reassuring fans that despite setbacks, the team remains committed to finishing the season strongly.
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