‘We have to earn it’ – Virgil van Dijk issues Anfield rallying cry to Liverpool teammates after Galatasaray setback | OneFootball

Virgil van Dijk has urged his Liverpool teammates to rise to the occasion as they look to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Galatasaray in the Champions League round of 16.

The first leg was defined by missed opportunities and defensive lapses, with Mario Lemina’s early header proving decisive.

Despite dominating possession in the second half, the Reds were left empty-handed after a potential equaliser from Ibrahima Konate was controversially ruled out by VAR for handball.

Van Dijk himself felt aggrieved, suggesting he was fouled in the build-up to that incident, but the Dutchman is now putting that frustration behind him ahead of the return leg.

“I’ve seen a lot, in terms of the chances that we created, but it doesn’t mean that that’s going to be enough,” Van Dijk was quoted as saying by The Independent.

“We have to fight, we have to deserve it. We have to earn the next round.”

Next week’s second leg at Anfield will be a unique occasion. Due to a UEFA-imposed ban on Galatasaray supporters following crowd disturbances at their previous away fixture against Juventus, the stadium will be filled entirely by home fans.

Van Dijk believes this atmosphere will be a decisive factor, provided the team delivers the right performance on the pitch.

“Next week obviously is the decider,” he added.

“The matter of fact is that we’re at home, I think there’s only our fans there, so hopefully it’s going to be an amazing evening positively for us.”

Before their European showdown, Liverpool must first navigate a Premier League encounter against Tottenham, who are currently staring down the barrel of relegation.