Van Dijk Laughs Off Liverpool Criticisms Following Game Agaisnt Salzburg

Virgil Van Dijk has shrugged off criticism following the Reds’ backline performance against Austrian side, RB Salzburg.

The Merseyside club leaked three goals before Mohammed Salah slotted an extra goal to place smiles on the lips of Jurgen Klopp.

The Dutch centre-back has thrown to the wind all suggestions that the backline might have seen a little disorganization in the Champions league group game.

Liverpool were frightened to the bones when the Austrian Champions fought their way back into the game having gone 3-0 down in the first forty-five minutes.

While other contenders in the group, Napoli and Genk played out a draw, Liverpool are in a strong position to move to the knockout stages of the competition.

That said, the defending UCL champions will have to keep a seal tight defence if they are to have any hope of lifting the title for the second time in a row.

That defensive frailties were exposed by a rampaging Salzburg who mount up a remarkable comeback during a 20-minute spell.

Joe Gomez and Van Dijk, in particular, were left exposed on several occasions with the players at the middle of the park providing little or no protection.

That said, the Dutchman left the pitch with Salah’s goal covering up for their defensive mistakes.

“We did it for the fans!” laughed Van Dijk.

“No, we could have done better. It was a game of two halves, maybe? First half we played so well, we were so comfortable at 3-0 but then we conceded a goal and they started believing. We knew before the game that they would never give up anyway, and they kept going, they had a lot of pace and pressing – a bit like how we play.

“But we should have done better, especially the first 20 minutes of the second half, all of us. That’s why we conceded the goals.

“But it’s maybe a good thing. We know we still have to improve, but we will.”

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