Virgil van Dijk will have no fear of PSG on Wednesday night

Virgil van Dijk will show no fear on Wednesday night when Liverpool take on Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes.

A win for Jurgen Klopp’s side would see them progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League, but any other result would likely leave them needing to beat Napoli at home in the final matchday of Group C.

Liverpool defeated PSG 3-2 at Anfield in September, and Van Dijk knows that the atmosphere in Paris will be just as intimidating for the visiting team.

READ: Sadio Mane a doubt for PSG clash

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 24: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool in Liverpool’s match against Red Star Belgrade at Anfield on 24 October 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photograph: AP)

 

READ: Charlie Nicholas predicts result of PSG v Liverpool

However, the Dutch centre-back, who has contributed significantly in Liverpool’s change of fortune in defence throughout 2018, will step out onto the field unafraid on Wednesday night.

“I don’t have any fear,” claimed Van Dijk, according to the Echo. “We respect them as a team but we want to win the game.

“We are going to be totally up for it, motivated and we will make sure we are ready from the start. We don’t need to forget that we are one of the best teams in Europe as well.

“We reached the final last year and we want to do at least the same this year. That’s our goal. So we are going to try and beat them.

“I think at a club like Liverpool you always feel a bit of pressure. You should do. But it doesn’t bother me. I just want to play.

“I want to enjoy the games because not a lot of people have the chance to do what we do. That’s how we started football as well, enjoying what we are doing and that’s what I try to do as well.”

On claims that Liverpool aren’t playing well this season despite being second and still unbeaten in the Premier League, Van Dijk said: “I don’t care what other people think. We are still unbeaten. We need to look at ourselves. We are doing very well.

“Obviously there is always room for improvement but we can’t be sad about the situation we are in. We just need to keep improving. Keep doing what we are doing and get better. That’s the only way forward.

“We can’t look at them (Manchester City). They are the champions, they are a fantastic team.

“But so are we and we need to focus on our game. Then we’ll see in the end how it’s gonna be, whether it’s going to be very close. Hopefully it is.”

Van Dijk was also asked if Liverpool’s attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino were underperforming this season.

“I wouldn’t say that,” he responded. “They’ve been doing a lot of good work for us. Like last season.

“Like I said before, there is always room for improvement but we don’t need to forget how good they still are for us and how important they are.

“They are going to keep doing what they are doing and getting better. Hopefully they will achieve good things this year.”

The £75million defender also modestly brushed aside suggestions that he has almost single-handedly rejuvenated Liverpool’s defence on the back of positive comments made by Trent Alexander-Arnold.

“First of all it is big credit to them as well, to the way that they play,” said Van Dijk. “But I prefer that when things are going well to motivate them even more. To praise them also when things are not going well.

“Still praise them and make sure that they don’t hide or be afraid because of their mistakes. That’s something I want for myself.

“So I just tell them that we need to communicate with each other. Make sure that everyone is awake, tell each other the truth and when things are going well praise reach other because it is not easy what we do.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com