Virgil van Dijk insists Liverpool ‘need the whole squad’ after ‘unacceptable’ result – Liverpool FC

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk wants his team to use their return to the Champions League to recover from the “unacceptable” defeat to Nottingham Forest.

After spending last season in the Europa League, Arne Slot’s side return to the new format of UEFA’s elite club competition with an opening match against AC Milan on Tuesday.

Van Dijk hopes it gives them a chance to quickly put their first defeat of the season behind them.

“We have a very good group who really understand that it was unacceptable and who are disappointed,” he said of the defeat to Forest.

“We all know that everyone can do better and we have to show that on Tuesday and that is what we are focused 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, rhythm is always a good thing.

“We need the whole squad and we know that after the international break there will be a game every three days. That’s why we need everyone at their best and in top form.”

When asked what they needed to do to ensure that the defeat did not spoil their momentum from the start of the season, he replied: “Keep going and keep working and make sure the performance does not go in that direction.”

“We all know that the atmosphere can change, but that also includes the outside influences that can affect you.

“I can’t wait to get out there, hear the Champions League tune and lead the boys out onto the field.

“A club like Liverpool needs to be in the Champions League and we are finally back. So let’s go out there and put in a much better performance because that’s what we need, otherwise there will be a problem.”