Liverpool skipper Van Dijk pumped for PSG clash: ‘These are the nights we all live for’

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is confident Anfield can create an atmosphere that will help them beat Paris Saint-Germain tonight, saying “these are the nights we all live for”.

The Reds were comprehensively outplayed in Paris last week in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final and start the return game 2-0 down to the title holders.

PSG could have been out of sight but their failure to put Liverpool away means the Merseysiders still have hope.

“The circumstances may be a little different, but this is a familiar place we find ourselves in,” said Van Dijk in the official matchday programme. “Anfield, a big Champions League night, a top opponent and the chance, together, to do something really special as a club.

“I couldn’t be looking forward to tonight more, and I hope you guys feel the same. Yes, we know the size and the scale of the task facing us, but these are the games, the nights that we all live for. If you can’t get excited for this, then you’re in the wrong sport, in my opinion.

“I said after the first leg in Paris that we will need something special if we are to progress to the semi-finals, and that applies first and foremost to our own performance, but also to the atmosphere and the support that you guys will provide. Both will need to be absolutely spot on if we are to have a chance.”

Liverpool need another classic Anfield atmosphere – Van Dijk

Anfield will be rocking tonight in what is a big week for Liverpool with Sunday’s Merseyside derby to follow.

It has staged several great comebacks over the years and Van Dijk is optimistic of another.

He added: ”I have been very lucky to experience those nights where the connection between the fans and the performance has been unbelievable.

“I think of Manchester City, Roma, Barcelona of course, even Real Madrid both this season and last, and I can assure you all that everyone in this dressing room believes we can do something again this evening.

“Yes, the performance in Paris was not good enough, and we must improve in every area if we are to have a chance. Anfield, though, is different, and hopefully we can show that tonight. 

“It starts with us, with our belief and our mentality. With every challenge, every tackle, every header, every run, every attack, we have to show intent and commitment and desire. PSG are a very good team and we have to be ready to do the hard yards for 90+ minutes – and more if necessary.

“Like I say, I am looking forward to the game immensely. These are the occasions we have to embrace, every one of us together.

“Let’s give it everything we have, and hopefully we can write another special chapter in Liverpool’s history.”

Slot calls on Liverpool players to provide the spark

Reds boss Arne Slot believes it is on the players to get the crowd going.

“First and foremost, it is a chance for us to show our own quality,” he said. “Last week in Paris, it would certainly be fair to say that our opponents showed theirs and the 2-0 result in their favour was not one that anyone connected with Liverpool could or would complain about.

“But as the sign on our tunnel says – This Is Anfield. This is our stadium, these are our people and we know what is possible on nights like these if the performance of the Liverpool team creates the possibility for everything coming together on and off the pitch.

“As I said immediately after the first leg, PSG kept us alive so we have to use the lifeline that we have been given as well as we can. This means giving absolutely everything we can, coping with the pressure that we will inevitably have to deal with and being able to suffer in periods when necessary.

“Most of all, it means performing in the Liverpool way – showing desire from first whistle to last, competing relentlessly and hopefully producing the kind of football that is required on occasions like this. We know the ingredients that are required, we just have to produce them and then see where it takes us.”