Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has outlined the path forward for his side after a vital 2-0 victory away to West Ham United ended a difficult run of form for the Reds.
Back to Winning Ways
Speaking after the final whistle at the London Stadium, Van Dijk expressed his satisfaction with a result he described as very important for the squad. He highlighted the significance of not only securing the three points but also achieving a clean sheet, a foundation he believes the team must build upon.
The Dutch defender was quick to praise the contributions of returning players, singling out Joe Gomez for an outstanding performance and welcoming Florian Wirtz back into the fold, noting his quality in possession and out of it.
Dealing with External Noise
Van Dijk addressed the recent criticism levelled at the team head-on, stating that the only way to control the narrative is through performances and results on the pitch. He acknowledged that scrutiny is an inherent part of professional football that players must accept and navigate.
"The only thing we can control is what we do on the grass," he asserted, making it clear that the squad's focus must remain internal.
Focus on the Process, Not the Table
Perhaps his most telling comment was a directive to ignore the current Premier League standings. Van Dijk insisted there is no point in looking at the table at this stage of the season, emphasising that the sole objective should be concentrating on their own games, one at a time.
He stressed that the immediate priority is finding a steady level of consistency in all phases of their play, from defence to attack. The win at West Ham, while positive, cannot be dwelled upon, with attention already turning to the next challenge.
Looking Ahead with Fan Support
Van Dijk extended big credit to the away supporters at the London Stadium for their vocal backing throughout the match. He urged the fanbase to continue their unwavering support as the team works to string together the results they desire.
The immediate focus is now on preparing for what the captain anticipates will be a very hard, tough game at Anfield against Sunderland this Wednesday. For Van Dijk and Liverpool, the message is clear: control the controllables, block out the noise, and maintain total focus on the next 90 minutes.
