Programme notesVirgil van Dijk: We must keep pushing for results and progress
The Reds host the Hammers in a 3pm GMT kick-off and will look to record a fourth consecutive win following victories over Sunderland, Brighton & Hove Albion and, last time out, Nottingham Forest.
In his notes for the official matchday programme, captain Van Dijk writes: “Saturday is all about maintaining momentum, and hopefully with you guys behind us we can do exactly that.
“Every game is important now as we pursue our aims, whether that is in the FA Cup, the Champions League or, in this case, the Premier League.
“There is no doubt in my mind that we have shown big improvements in recent weeks, but that doesn’t mean we are exactly where we want or need to be. I think I speak for everyone when I say we are fully aware that we can improve in a lot of ways, and that we are all working extremely hard to make sure that happens.
“The important thing right now is that we keep finding ways to get the results we need. Sometimes that means winning and playing well, playing good football, creating lots of chances and scoring lots of goals.
“But on other occasions, it is about the other side of the game. It’s about digging in, defending well, showing strength and character and keeping on going until the very last whistle, no matter what.
“That is certainly what we did at Nottingham Forest last weekend. It was a very important win for us, at a place which is very tough to visit.
“And while there’s no doubt that our performance, especially in the first half, was far from perfect, we must also take a lot of positives from the way we were able to keep pushing, work through our problems and get the three points right at the end.
“We showed a real desire not to concede throughout the game, and then in the closing stages we pushed hard to find the winning goal. It was nice to be on the right end of a late one for once this season.
“I can assure you that the feeling of victory never gets old, and it was amazing to see the scenes in the away end in the final minutes and at the full-time whistle.
“Of course, we all want perfection, and that is what we as players continue to strive for, but those moments, celebrating a hard-fought win with your fans, are what football is all about.
“Now, as l say, we have to continue pushing for results and for progress. We are at home to West Ham and then away to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday night, and we know that these will be two very tough games, no matter what the league table may say.
“Forest showed, as just about every team in the Premier League has shown, that every opponent must be respected in this league. It is so tough, so competitive, and the demands are huge each week.
“For us, we have to show the right mentality, the humility and the willingness to work hard, and the desire to fight for every single ball.
“If we do that, and if we have you guys behind us as always, we can keep that forward momentum going.”
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