LONDON: Virgil van Dijk has urged Liverpool to hit back after their “unacceptable” defeat against Nottingham Forest as the Reds prepare to start their Champions League campaign.
Just days after their shock 1-0 loss to Forest in the Premier League, Arne Slot’s side begin the new Champions League format with a trip to AC Milan on Tuesday.
After winning the first three games of the Slot era, Liverpool were brought down to earth with a bump by Forest at Anfield on Saturday.
Liverpool captain Van Dijk wants the defeat to serve as fuel to beat Milan and quickly get their campaign back on track.
“We have a very good group that really understand that it was unacceptable and are disappointed,” the Dutch center-back said.
“We all know everyone can do better and we have to show that on Tuesday and that is what we focus on.
“We have been through losses and difficult moments together and I think we have to stay calm and we will stay calm.
“Hopefully if there are no injuries happening then rhythm is always a good thing.
“We need the whole squad and we know after the international break it will be a game every three days so we need everyone in their best shape and best form.”
Liverpool had looked impressive in their wins against Ipswich, Brentford and Manchester United.
They managed to avoid conceding a goal in any of those games, before Forest forward Callum Hudson-Odoi finally breached Van Dijk’s defense at the weekend.
Asked what they had to do to prevent the defeat impacting their early-season momentum, Van Dijk said: “Keep going and keep working and make sure the performances don’t go in that direction.
“We all know how the atmosphere can change but that is also part of the influence from outside which could affect you.
“I can’t wait to be out there hearing the Champions League tune and leading out the boys.
“A club like Liverpool needs to be in the Champions League and we are finally back and let’s go out there and put in a much better performance as it is needed otherwise you are going to have an issue.”

NEOM: NEOM Beach Games is returning for its third edition this November with an expanded lineup of athletes and competitive events.

Olympic gold medallists Cassandre Beaugrand and Alex Yee (triathletes), Worthy De Jong (3x3 basketball player) and Veddriq Leonardo (speed climber) will be among the 1,000 athletes, coaches and team officials attending NEOM for six sports events that will start on Nov. 3.

NEOM Beach Soccer and NEOM Titan Desert will return to the event.

The sixth sport at the 2024 NEOM Beach Games, the World Aquatics Open Water Swimming World Cup NEOM, is a new event for this year. Welcoming the world’s leading open water swimmers, the concluding activity for the latest edition of NEOM Beach Games will be held in the Red Sea. 

Jan Paterson, managing director of sport at NEOM, said: “It is hugely exciting to be hosting the NEOM Beach Games for its third edition, including welcoming a number of athletes and medalists from the recent Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

“With the addition of the World Aquatics Open Water Swimming World Cup NEOM and two compact venues at NEOM Bay and Bajdah Desert, we are looking forward to offering an exciting experience for athletes and spectators alike and helping to establish NEOM as a destination for global sports amongst our natural sporting landscapes.”