Virgil van Dijk has apologised to Liverpool fans following the club’s heavy FA Cup quarter-final exit at the hands of Manchester City.
- +Van Dijk apologises to fans after Liverpool’s 4-0 FA Cup thrashing
- +“It’s a difficult moment, and everyone has to look at themselves.”
Liverpool were thrashed 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, a result that left the Reds captain furious, particularly with the team’s second-half collapse.
Liverpool were thrashed 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, a result that left the Reds captain furious, particularly with the team’s second-half collapse.
Already trailing 2-0 at the break after a brace from Erling Haaland, Liverpool conceded immediately after the restart when Antoine Semenyo added a third. Haaland then completed his hat-trick to seal an emphatic victory for Pep Guardiola’s side.
The manner of the defeat triggered a mass exodus from the travelling Liverpool supporters, with thousands leaving well before full-time.
Van Dijk admitted responsibility for the performance, including conceding the penalty that led to City’s opener, and said the entire squad must take accountability.
“I can only apologise to the fans for what we have shown, especially in the second half,” he said.
“We let our fans down, we let ourselves down, and the manager. The way we played after the break must have hurt for everyone. It definitely hurts me.”
The defeat piles further pressure on Liverpool manager Arne Slot ahead of a crucial UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain in France on Wednesday.
With their domestic cup hopes now over, Liverpool’s season hinges on European success and securing qualification for next season’s Champions League.
Van Dijk called for unity within the squad during a challenging period, stressing the need for a strong response.
“It’s a together thing. The manager is responsible, but we are the ones on the pitch who have to deliver,” he added.
“The reality is PSG are waiting for us, and it will be another tough game. We have to be mentally ready.”
Liverpool also face a tricky Premier League clash with Fulham between their two legs against PSG, with Van Dijk urging immediate improvement.
“If we want to salvage something from this season, we have to produce something special in the next three games,” he said.
“It’s a difficult moment, and everyone has to look at themselves.”
