“We have to do better” – Virgil van Dijk reacts to Liverpool’s defeat to Man City | OneFootball

Virgil van Dijk Urges Liverpool Improvement After Late Man City Setback

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk delivered a clear message following a painful 2-1 defeat to Man City at Anfield, calling for sharper game management as the Reds continue their push for European qualification under Arne Slot. The result marked Liverpool’s eighth Premier League loss of the campaign and extended a worrying pattern of conceding late goals.

Stoppage Time Issues Cost Liverpool

Erling Haaland’s 93rd minute penalty secured the points for Man City and underlined a recurring theme for Liverpool this season. It was the sixth time the Merseyside club have conceded in stoppage time, a statistic that has already cost them eight points.

Van Dijk did not hide his frustration as he assessed the moment. “I think you can’t compare all of the goals [conceded in stoppage time],” he said. “I think maybe you can compare the Crystal Palace goal and the Bournemouth goal but this one you can’t compare with the others. But the fact is that we conceded that late on and I keep saying it but we have to do better in this.”

Facing Pep Guardiola’s side always demands precision, especially when protecting narrow margins. Liverpool found phases of control but could not close the door when it mattered most.

Photo: IMAGO

Match Flow Shows Mixed Performance

City had enjoyed the better of the first half, moving the ball with authority and limiting Liverpool’s rhythm. Van Dijk acknowledged the balance of play across the 95 minutes.

“You also have to remember that you’re playing against City, who are obviously very comfortable on the ball, and at times, when you don’t win the ball, because we did many times as well, I think making the right decisions could have been better.”

Liverpool improved after the break, pushing higher and creating chances. “Overall the feeling that I have right now is that in the first half we weren’t good enough, in the second half we were much better but still disappointed we lost,” he added.

A disallowed City goal deep into added time and a red card for Dominik Szoboszlai added late drama, yet the decisive moment remained Haaland’s penalty.

“Listen, it’s always hard to accept the loss, especially at home, but I think if you really analyse the game as a whole, 95 minutes, and especially the first half City was really much better than us in having a ball, obviously they created some opportunities, not massive. Second half we did much better and created good opportunities but the penalty is the deciding factor.”

Focus Turns to Results and Consistency

Liverpool now face a demanding trip to Sunderland, a side with a formidable home record. With rivals also in action, the pressure to respond is immediate.

“At the moment [we don’t take positives] because I’m disappointed that we lost. But I will do everything in my power to recover and then we’ll discuss it and then we have to turn our attention very, very quickly to an opponent that is having a very good season, especially at home, so it will be a big battle.”

Van Dijk stressed the need for consistent performances as the race for the top five intensifies. “When is the deciding time of the year? I think every game, obviously, that’s coming our way we have to make sure that we are getting towards that top four to five.”

For Liverpool, the margins remain fine. Better decisions in key moments, improved control when leading, and sharper concentration in stoppage time will shape how their season unfolds after this bruising night against Man City.