Van Dijk warns Liverpool’s defensive struggles cannot continue after Fenerbahce defeat

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk warned that his side’s defensive struggles in the Champions League could not continue after a 3-2 defeat to Fenerbahce in Istanbul. Liverpool had led 2-1 before losing, with all three of Fenerbahce’s goals coming from set-pieces.

According to the BBC, Van Dijk described the defensive performance as unacceptable and said the team had a lot of work to do. He pointed out that Liverpool had conceded three goals in each of their last three European matches, against Fenerbahce, Villarreal and LASK. It was the first time in the club’s history that they had conceded at least three goals in three consecutive European matches.

The Dutch defender voiced his frustration with the team’s handling of set-pieces, explaining that they had not been ready for the first and second balls, after, in his words, doing well in that area so far this season. He added that he felt frustrated and believed the players were right to be disappointed, stressing that the team should not accept a defeat in this manner.

The defeat was Liverpool’s second in a row under Andoni Iraola, following a run of five wins. Van Dijk said getting through difficult periods together could strengthen the bond between the players and help the team in the future, while emphasising that this did not justify accepting defeat.

Liverpool are preparing to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League over the weekend. The team are fifth with 15 points from nine matches. Van Dijk described playing Palace as difficult and said the team would look ahead to the match after returning to Liverpool and recovering physically and mentally.