Virgil van Dijk delivers firm response to Liverpool 'crisis' talk
- Liverpool enduring downturn in form over winter period
- Reds still boast comfortable Premier League lead despite poor results
- Van Dijk unconcerned by team's performances
By Tom Gott
Virgil van Dijk has laughed off suggestions Liverpool find themselves in the midst of a "crisis".
The Reds enjoyed a dominant start to life under new manager Arne Slot but have endured a clear downturn in form in recent weeks. They have won just three of their past seven Premier League games, allowing Arsenal to climb to within four points at the summit of the league table.
Liverpool also fell 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, but Van Dijk argued the team's recent results are simply evidence of the high level of competition in England's top flight.
"Ooh, so we are in a crisis now?" Van Dijk said sarcastically when quizzed on Liverpool's recent form.
"It only confirms the Premier League is a very tough league where you play against opponents who are very good. It was always going to be tough, same with [Manchester] United at home with their new manager and the game plan they have been showing especially against the bigger teams.
"Every game is tough, we have to find a way to win and I think if we play like we did in the second half and keep fighting, keep trying, keep finding opportunities then I am very confident we will score goals as well like we have been doing all season."
Van Dijk also saw the positives in Liverpool's recent trend of conceding the first goal in a game. The Reds have had to come from behind fives times in their last seven matches.
"It shows resilience," Van Dijk insisted. "No-one wants to come from behind, we have to keep working on that and have everyone in the best shape to prevent that. All we can do is try to do it in the next game better."
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