Virgil van Dijk has spoken after a night that none of us wanted to experience at Anfield, against Manchester United.
Van Dijk’s message to Liverpool fans
After our 2–1 defeat to Manchester United – a result that made it four consecutive losses for the reigning Premier League champions – Virgil van Dijk took to Instagram to post an image of supporters on The Kop holding a banner reading: “Support & Believe.”
The Dutch defender, now in his ninth season at Anfield, offered no caption beyond those three words – but it said more than enough.
The simple message summed up the unity and defiance still needed as Arne Slot’s side searches for form following what’s been a brutal few weeks.
United’s late winner came via Harry Maguire’s header, after Cody Gakpo’s equaliser had looked to end our losing run. It means Liverpool have now lost four on the bounce for the first time since 2014.
It’s been a challenging spell for everyone connected with the club, particularly given the huge expectations that came after winning the title last season and spending nearly £450 million on reinforcements, including Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.
Leadership under pressure
Van Dijk’s post follows heavy scrutiny of the team’s defensive issues.
Former vice-captain Jamie Carragher warned during the game: “Liverpool are just not at the races at all defensively. Until they fix that, they can’t win the league.”
Meanwhile, pundit Craig Burley criticised the skipper’s body language, saying: “Van Dijk to me is not leading at the moment. He’s blaming.”
Those comments came after footage appeared to show the Netherlands international visibly frustrated with Milos Kerkez during the defeat.
But Van Dijk’s message feels like an effort to rally both the dressing room and the fans. At a time when the results are painful, the words ‘Support & Believe’ are a call for unity from the club’s most senior player.
With Eintracht Frankfurt and then Brighton up next and questions being asked about how quickly the champions can rediscover their rhythm, the 34-year-old’s leadership – both on and off the pitch – will be crucial.
Van Dijk’s post offers a reminder that belief, not blame, is what will turn things around at Anfield.
You can view Van Dijk’s post via his Instagram account:
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