ReactionVirgil van Dijk: We managed to get the win on an emotional night for all of us
The Reds had been 2-0 up at Anfield on Friday until a second-half fightback from the visitors required late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah to secure a 4-2 victory.
The meeting with the Cherries began and concluded with emotional tributes to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva, in what was the club's first competitive home game since the brothers' passing.
Read Van Dijk's post-match interview with Liverpoolfc.com…
Virgil, it was dramatic but the champions start with a win…
We start with a win, a lot of good things, good moments with and without the ball. Unfortunately, we conceded two goals on the break where we should have done better overall. But under the circumstances, an emotional night for all of us, first game of the season against a team that will never give up, well known for it, in my opinion, with a great manager, we managed to get the three points. We have a lot of days to work in the upcoming week to be ready for the next game.
You all set such high standards in the team and that's why you did what you did and will continue to do. There were four home debutants against Bournemouth and it's going to take that period of time for that balance to come...
Absolutely normal. I'm pleased with the performances of those guys. I think they were all tired towards the moment where they got subbed. That's absolutely normal. The Premier League is the hardest league in the world, the demands are so high and you just have to get used to it. I think the guys will do so perfectly. Time for them to recover. Like I said, we have plenty of days now to prepare for Newcastle and we have to be ready because it's going to be tough there.
When it went to 2-2 and we saw the boss give Chiesa the nod, for him to get that moment in front of the Kop must have meant so much to him...
For sure. He works so hard, he's a great character, we all love him. Very pleased for him. Especially on a night like this where there are so many things in everyone's mind, because I can't escape that. I'm pleased for him, pleased for the team. Nice to get the three points and now we work and move on.
You were all joined in that emotion – the minute's silence before the game, the reaction at the end – and everybody being together. That's what you've always called for as Liverpool captain...
For sure. I think nobody should underestimate what's going on. We are there for each other with the players, with the staff – but we need all of our fans as well in order to get us through everything. Let's give it everything and give it a go and enjoy the ride as well, because we are very privileged and blessed, like we all know.