Virgil van Dijk has insisted that the bond between Arne Slot's Liverpool and the Kop remains intact, citing the 4-0 Champions League rout of Galatasaray as evidence of what they can achieve together. The Liverpool captain dismissed claims that the relationship had broken down this season, instead directing focus towards reaching the semi-finals for the first time since 2022.
Scrutiny had intensified after a draw with Tottenham when boos greeted the final whistle and Dominik Szoboszlai admitted the team had been affected by fans leaving early. Van Dijk rebuffed such concerns, stating: 'In all these years at Liverpool I’ve never once questioned them and I still don’t.' He acknowledged frustration arising from an inconsistent season but stressed looking ahead.
The atmosphere at Anfield for the second leg was electric, with almost 60,000 home fans in full voice as Slot animatedly reacted to what he perceived as time-wasting tactics by Galatasaray. Van Dijk noted that improved performance and atmosphere go hand in hand, but denied the team had lacked intensity previously, saying: 'Occasionally we have shown good games but not consistently.'
Slot hopes the performance sets a standard for the remainder of the season, though with a quick turnaround before Saturday's early kick-off at Brighton, replicating it may prove difficult. Van Dijk echoed the call for consistency, adding: 'We shouldn’t take this team for granted... This was a demanding game and it is down to us to be ready for Brighton away.'
Meanwhile, Galatasaray have threatened legal action against Uefa after Noa Lang suffered a serious cut to his thumb when it became jammed in an advertising hoarding. The club's general secretary confirmed they have registered a complaint and will seek compensation for Lang's lost salary during his recovery.
