NewsVirgil van Dijk programme notes: A 'good reaction', FA Cup aims and James Milner tribute
Virgil van Dijk wants Liverpool to build on a 'very important' performance and result in midweek when they come up against Brighton & Hove Albion this evening.
The Reds go into tonight's Emirates FA Cup fourth-round tie on the back of that encouraging 1-0 win at Sunderland in the Premier League.
Pleased with the quality and character the side displayed in the north east, Van Dijk knows the same is required in the 8pm GMT kick-off with the Seagulls at Anfield.
"After the disappointment of the way in which the game against Manchester City finished, it was extremely important that we showed a good reaction when we went to Sunderland on Wednesday night," the captain writes in the matchday programme.
"I think that, as a team, we did exactly that.
"To win any game in the Premier League, especially away from home, you have to be lots of things. You have to be together, you have to be organised defensively and you have to be committed and ready to work hard from the first whistle to the last.
"I think we were all of those things at the Stadium of Light, against a strong side in difficult conditions and on a difficult pitch. That made it a very pleasing, a very well-deserved and a very important three points for us.
"In the end, we could and perhaps should have won more comfortably, but the way we defended and fought as a team was extremely satisfying.
"Sunderland have been a difficult team to play against for everybody, so to go there and get the points, and with a clean sheet too, is very satisfying.
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Watch on YouTube"I thought, also, that the away end was fantastic on Wednesday. We could hear you all throughout the game.
"We know that it was a long midweek trip in February, in really difficult conditions as I say, but I want you to know that we value and appreciate your support so much, and I'm happy we could give you something to cheer.
"The only sad point was the injury suffered by Wataru Endo in the second half.
"At the time of writing we don't know how serious that is, but of course we all hope he is back as soon as possible because we need everybody at the moment, and especially a fighter and a top professional like Wata. He, like so many others, was outstanding on the night.
"Like I say, after the disappointment of the City game, it was important that we bounced back as quickly as we could, but now the task is to build on a good away win and try to find that consistency I have been talking about.
"The FA Cup is a competition that means a lot to us all, and we want to progress as far as we possibly can in it this season.
"We know, however, that we are facing a very tough opponent in Brighton & Hove Albion this evening, and we are going to need all of your support once more as we look to go again and get the win.
"I want to finish with a word for my old teammate James Milner, who on Wednesday night equalled the record for the most Premier League appearances and who returns to Anfield with Brighton this evening.
"What an achievement. To still be going strong after so long in the game says everything about him, his dedication and his professionalism. He is one of the legends of the Premier League, for sure.
"I'm sure he will get a great reception from you guys this evening."
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