Captain Virgil van Dijk says his Liverpool teammates perceive the rivalry with Manchester United and admits video games in opposition to the Crimson Devils at Anfield maintain “that little bit of additional that means for supporters”.
Liverpool are at the moment having fun with a formidable in Arne Slot’s first season in cost. Slot’s aspect sit prime of the Premier League and have the prospect to go eight factors clear with a sport in hand after they host United on Sunday.
Against this, their fierce rivals, underneath new boss Ruben Amorim, have continued to battle this time period. Regardless of beating Manchester Metropolis, United have misplaced their final three league video games on the bounce with out scoring and conceding seven within the course of.
United are at the moment 14th within the desk, with Amorim admitting lately his staff had been in a battle to keep away from relegation.
The skipper’s #LIVMUN programme notes 🔴
Virgil van Dijk particulars the added significance of tomorrow’s assembly with Manchester United ✊
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 4, 2025
However, in his notes for the official matchday programme, the Dutchman mentioned he’s anticipating a tricky take a look at at Anfield and recognises the added significance of the fixture.
“Each sport is massive whenever you play for this membership,” Van Dijk wrote. “However after all a sport at Anfield in opposition to United has that little bit of additional that means for supporters.
“We perceive this rivalry and we all know that there shall be a particular environment, one we’ll look to make use of to our benefit as we go after the three factors.
“Make no mistake, this shall be a tricky take a look at. We all know that United aren’t the place they wish to be within the league desk and that they’ve had a tough begin to the season, however they nonetheless have prime gamers so it will be significant that we’re on it and targeted from the very first whistle.”
The Reds skipper additionally mirrored on a robust first half of the marketing campaign, however insists there’s nonetheless work to be finished.
“We all know what success is constructed on. High quality for positive, but additionally humility, sacrifice, work ethic and togetherness. If we hold that on the entrance of our minds all the time, then these are the issues that can take us to the place we wish to be.
“The platform we have now given ourselves all through the opening months of the season is obvious, however we have now to push on from right here now.
“We’re not wanting on the league desk or counting factors we haven’t received but. We’re targeted solely on the subsequent sport, the subsequent problem. Consistency is vital, daily and sport to sport.”
