Programme notes'Should make us more hungry' - Virgil van Dijk reflects on Carabao Cup joy
Virgil van Dijk has underscored the huge pride he feels about Liverpool’s Carabao Cup success, while insisting the experience can now be used as an incentive going forward.
The captain delivered the winning goal in the 118th minute at Wembley on Sunday, as the Reds – who leaned on the talents of a number of players from the Academy during the final – defeated Chelsea 1-0.
Celebrations have quickly given way to focus on another competition, with Southampton the visitors to Anfield in the Emirates FA Cup fifth round this evening.
In his programme notes for the game, Van Dijk reflects on the raft of positives felt last weekend and details how they must be harnessed for the rest of the season.
“Ever since I was given the honour of wearing the armband for Liverpool, I have said that I am always proud to be captain of this team,” writes the No.4.
“This isn’t a feeling that increases or decreases depending on results, it is always there. I have to admit, though, that the sense of pride I have for the entire club right now is as strong as it could be.
“What happened at Wembley on Sunday was incredible. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps. All the problems that we had before and during the game and we still found a way to win. We stayed together – on and off the pitch – and we found a way to win. This is Liverpool Football Club.
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Watch on YouTube“I am not even sure I have the words to describe how proud I am of the young players. What they did should never be underestimated in any way. They handled an extremely difficult situation in such a mature way and by doing so they made a massive difference. We simply could not have won without them.
“The best thing of all is that we have seen enough from the way they train and their approach to games that they will know that this is just the start for them. They have the trophy, the winner’s medals and then memories, but more than anything else they now have the kind of springboard that only winning a major trophy can bring, so hopefully they will use it.
“The same applies to the rest of the team. Winning the Carabao Cup is a wonderful achievement, especially in the manner that it happened, but it came at the end of February, which means we still have three months of the season to go so we have to use this time and the games that come with it to build on this success.
“This has to be the mood for all of us. Yes, we can and should enjoy the moment because winning trophies is so, so special, but we also have to be – and will be – aware that there is so much hard work still to be done. This has been our attitude since the season began and there is no reason for that to change now that we have added another cup to Liverpool FC’s honours list.
“If anything, it should make us even more hungry. When you have the kind of feelings that came with winning on Sunday, you want them over and over again. It doesn’t make it any easier to succeed, because there are so many teams striving for success, but the knowledge of what it feels like definitely provides an additional incentive. Hopefully we can use it.
“Obviously the turnaround has been crazy with playing again against Southampton in the FA Cup tonight. The gaffer has already said he will have to see who will be available for this one, but everyone who is coming to the game can rest assured that we will have done everything in our powers to recover as quickly as possible.
“Hopefully we will also be able to get players back as soon as possible in the right way because, as Sunday showed, we are going to need everyone.
“As well as working hard, looking to develop as a team and giving everything that we have, we also have to enjoy what we are doing. After winning one trophy we now have other targets to aim for so it makes sense that all of us just enjoy the ride, especially the supporters. The fans who made it to Wembley at the weekend certainly did that and the support they gave us is something that will live with us forever.
“I know it is a massive ask but we will need similar support tonight. As on Sunday, this is a night to pull each other through and push each other on. It will be another tough game but, as I said, we may as well enjoy it.”
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