Programme notes'Nights like this are what Anfield is all about' - Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool host Galatasaray in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie seeking to overturn a 1-0 deficit from last week’s first meeting in Istanbul.

In his notes for the official matchday programme, Reds captain Van Dijk writes: “These are the kind of nights we all have to embrace and enjoy, whether as players or supporters.

“The Champions League is a special competition which means a lot to this football club and to each and every one of us players so to be in a position like this, with the chance to reach the quarter-final stage, is both a privilege and a wonderful opportunity.

“I don’t want to dwell too much on what happened against Tottenham on Sunday but it’s safe to say that we were all extremely disappointed by the way things ended, just as you guys were, and tonight is all about using that frustration and showing the right response to that disappointment.

“We know exactly what is required this evening. We know we have work to do after the first leg over in Istanbul, but we are all looking forward to this game and I have full confidence in our ability to turn things around in our own stadium.

“European nights at Anfield are always special. A lot was said about the atmosphere over in Turkiye, and it’s true it was very loud and impressive, but I know that you guys will bring a noise and a passion to more than match it this evening.

“Nights like this are what Anfield is all about. And with that noise, that passion and that support that you always give us, hopefully we can give a performance you can really get behind on the night, one with energy, commitment, intent and quality.

“Like I said, we know how disappointed you guys were on Sunday and we share that frustration, believe me, but in times like these it is so important that we stick together and fight as one. We are so much stronger when we are all together and today is another day, another big game, another chance for us to show our best side.

“Galatasaray showed again last week that they are a dangerous and well-organised team. They deserve our respect and they will get it, but I believe in this team, in this group of players, and if we reach the levels we know we are capable of, then we will give ourselves a great chance of progressing.

“That’s the target, nothing else. Let’s give everything we have for 90-plus minutes, let’s play with confidence and belief and let’s leave everything out there on that pitch.

“Most of all, though, let’s do this together.

“I can’t wait to see and hear you all this evening.”

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