Liverpool could have led the way in which domestically and in Europe for a lot of this season however captain Virgil van Dijk is aware of within the last reckoning solely trophies matter.
This week’s Champions League last-16 exit to Paris St Germain on penalties – solely a fifth defeat in 46 aggressive video games beneath Arne Slot – was an enormous blow to a squad which has largely been leaving opponents trailing of their wake.
A 15-point lead within the Premier League means a second title in 5 years is inside touching distance however Sunday’s defence of their Carabao Cup title towards Newcastle is a sport the Reds should win or threat criticism over their season unravelling.
After they stroll out at Wembley it will likely be precisely a yr and a day since it began to go fallacious in Jurgen Klopp’s last season, with defeat within the FA Cup quarter-finals adopted by exits from Europa League and the title race inside within the house of a month.
A uncommon Premier League title in Slot’s first season could be a exceptional achievement in itself however Van Dijk is aware of the expectations are all the time set increased than that.
“It’s pleasurable, however on the finish of the day, everyone knows the way it works within the enterprise,” he stated.
“You get judged at a membership like Liverpool at what you win on the finish of the highway and we now have to maintain working.
“I believe they (Newcastle) didn’t win a trophy for (70 years) so there’s plenty of motivation there.
“We clearly wish to win so badly as nicely. We labored so arduous to get the place we’re and clearly it’s the primary season along with the brand new regime and we wish to present that we are able to win trophies.
“You possibly can’t management what anybody says. Somebody advised me individuals are saying that we’re solely going only for the league. These items, you’ll be able to’t cease it.
“It’s a part of being a soccer participant, having so many platforms these days that individuals can say no matter they need.
“You simply should shut down a little bit bit, give attention to the duty forward as a workforce and attempt to win.”
In final yr’s last towards Chelsea, Van Dijk scored the winner two minutes from the tip of additional time to raise his first trophy as captain.
If the remainder of the season goes to plan he’ll add one other two to his file to enter the annals of membership historical past as a multiple-trophy profitable captain.
“When you have been to raise the 2 trophies you’ve a reasonably good probability to be in a pleasant listing of captains which have achieved nice issues on this membership,” stated the Dutchman.
“That’s clearly an enormous dream of mine, since I turned the captain of the membership.
“Clearly it’s an enormous hole that needs to be stuffed when your captain (Jordan Henderson) and your vice-captain (James Milner) are leaving, particularly with the characters they’re and the successes that we created collectively.
“However that’s a part of life as nicely. Others should step up and the gamers which might be nonetheless right here – the senior guys – have stepped up, everybody has performed their half with a view to achieve success.”
