'The reaction must start now'

The Reds are looking to show a response at Anfield this evening against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup, having suffered another disappointing Premier League defeat last Saturday at Brentford.

Writing in his column inside the matchday programme for the fourth-round tie, Van Dijk outlines his intention for the turnaround in results to begin tonight.

"My message ahead of this game is a simple one: we stick together, no matter what," the captain says.

"We know that this is a difficult moment. We know that results and performances are not what we want them to be, and that will lead to pressure, scrutiny and criticism from the outside.

"We accept that. When you play for a club like Liverpool, it comes with certain standards and expectations. So when you fall short of those standards and don't meet those expectations, you have to deal with what comes next. That's just how it is.

"And then you have to show the right reaction. You have to look at yourself, show strength and character, work hard and find a way to bounce back. That is exactly what we will be looking to do this evening.

"Saturday was extremely disappointing, of course. Having done well over in Frankfurt in the Champions League, we wanted to try to build on that down at Brentford. Unfortunately, we weren't able to do so, and to lose in the manner we did was a tough one to take, no doubt about it.

"The good thing about top-level football, though, is that there is always another game coming around quickly, another chance to put things right. There is no time to feel sorry for yourself, not when you are representing this football club.

"Our reaction must start now. I've said this many times previously, but everything starts with hard work, humility and togetherness. We are a team, and we must show that in both the good times and the not-so-good times. If we do, then I am confident we have the quality to get ourselves out of this difficult period.

"Our next three games are at home, and we must use that to our advantage. Anfield needs to be a place that no team wants to come to, and for that we need everybody – players, staff and supporters – to be at their very best, starting tonight.

"We know that Crystal Palace are a good team and they will make it difficult for us, as they have done in all of our recent meetings. We know what to expect from them, and we have to be ready for that.

"The Carabao Cup is a competition that has given us many special memories down the years, and we want to progress as far as we can this season.

"Most of all, though, we want to put Saturday's disappointment behind us, get back to winning ways, and give you guys something to shout about.

"Together, let's show the right response."

Pick up your copy of the programme at Anfield or via our online store

Click here to read article