Football’s fiercest rivalries often bring out the best—or worst—in teams, and this Sunday’s clash between Liverpool and Manchester United is no exception. As the Reds return from the October international break, Anfield will be buzzing with anticipation for the 4:30 PM BST kickoff against their long-standing rivals. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s captain, isn’t just focusing on the rivalry—he’s using this moment to rally his team and fans alike after a string of disappointing results. In his matchday programme notes, Van Dijk doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges ahead, but his message is clear: it’s time to reset and rise.
Van Dijk opens with a candid acknowledgment of the team’s recent struggles, stating, ‘We know this will be a tough game, as every match in this league is, but we expect Anfield to be rocking and hopefully we can give you plenty to shout about.’ He emphasizes the need for a positive reaction following a difficult period, particularly highlighting the frustrating loss at Chelsea, where the team fought hard only to fall short. ‘To lose the way we did was extremely disappointing,’ he admits, ‘especially given the results against Crystal Palace and Galatasaray beforehand.’
But this is where Van Dijk’s leadership shines. Instead of dwelling on setbacks, he shifts the focus to the future. ‘What matters now is what comes next,’ he writes. He reiterates the core values of the club—hard work, humility, togetherness, and consistency—stressing that these principles are just as crucial in tough times as they are in triumphs. ‘We’re certainly not panicking,’ he assures, ‘but we also need to be open and honest with ourselves.’
And this is the part most people miss: Van Dijk doesn’t shy away from addressing areas for improvement. He acknowledges room for growth in the team’s performance while simultaneously highlighting the quality, strength, and character within the dressing room. ‘It’s up to us to show that in the coming days and weeks,’ he challenges his teammates.
The captain also reflects on the international break, noting that many players, including himself, had productive outings with their national teams. Now, they return to club football with renewed energy and a positive mindset, ready to tackle the challenges ahead. ‘Those challenges will be tough, but also very exciting,’ he says, adding, ‘As players, we want to be involved in the biggest games against the best opponents, and I know you all feel the same as supporters.’
Van Dijk’s message is a call to action, not just for his teammates but for the fans as well. ‘I know that you’ll be there for us, supporting and pushing us on. We aim to be at our best, and we need you to be exactly the same, starting this weekend,’ he urges. His closing words are a rallying cry: ‘Together, let’s get to work.’
But here’s the controversial question: Can Liverpool truly bounce back against a rival as formidable as Manchester United, especially after such a rocky period? Van Dijk’s optimism is infectious, but the proof will be in the performance. What do you think? Is this the moment the Reds turn their season around, or will the pressure of the rivalry prove too much? Let us know in the comments below.
Don’t miss out on Van Dijk’s full programme notes—pick up your copy at Anfield on Sunday or visit our online store here.
