Virgil Van Dijk discusses Liverpool's defensive issues

Virgil van Dijk has admitted that Liverpool's ongoing defensive problems in the Champions League cannot continue following a difficult evening in Istanbul. The Reds conceded three goals for the third consecutive match in Europe–an unprecedented occurrence in the club's history. Andoni Iraola's side faced a setback against Fenerbahce, having previously secured victories in their prior two fixtures despite similar defensive lapses.

The 3-2 loss was particularly troubling as Liverpool surrendered a lead on two occasions and displayed a complete loss of composure after Fenerbahce scored their opener. While the intimidating home crowd played a role in the collapse, Liverpool's wider defensive record throughout the campaign revealed deeper vulnerabilities.

In their 15 fixtures across all competitions, Liverpool managed just four clean sheets–against Ipswich, Fulham, Bournemouth, and Brighton–with only one clean sheet coming in their last 10 matches. Although their qualification prospects remain intact with four group games remaining, this pattern represents a concerning trend that requires immediate rectification.

"Definitely not sustainable," Van Dijk said. "That’s why it is a very disappointing night for many reasons, but definitely the goals we conceded and the manner we conceded them as well. There is work to do. Three set-pieces as well. We have been very good at them so far this season but we switched off and were not ready for the first and second balls. It is a tough one to take."

Signs of frustration were visible even from the typically calm Dutchman, who shoved Irfan Kahveci to the ground during a second-half corner. When asked if he felt angry, Van Dijk responded, "Yes. But I didn’t show it today because everyone looked disappointed and they have a reason to be, they should be disappointed. We cannot lose in the manner we did."

Following consecutive defeats for the first time under Iraola after a five-match winning streak, the focus must now shift to Sunday’s match against struggling Crystal Palace to prevent further loss of momentum. "There is always noise and people say or have opinions about us all the time. Our focus is only on improving," the centre-back remarked. "We have been very good at defending set-pieces but against Fenerbahce we haven’t. That’s something we have to do better."

Van Dijk noted that this latest defeat is a difficult one to accept but emphasized the need to concentrate on the upcoming match. "For our supporters, it is just a shame; I feel sorry for all of them. We as a group have to go through good moments but also lesser good moments. That will only form a bigger bond, it will be only beneficial. No one wants to lose games, especially how we did, but it should only help us in the near future. We should not accept losing, especially in the manner we did."