Programme notesVirgil van Dijk: We want that last-16 place badly and will give everything we have
Virgil van Dijk outlined Liverpool's hunger to secure automatic progression to the last 16 of the Champions League.
The Reds know victory against Qarabag at Anfield this evening would lock up a top-eight finish in the league phase and avoid involvement in the knockout round play-offs.
That motivation is coupled with a determination to get back to winning ways after defeat at AFC Bournemouth on the weekend.
In his column in the matchday programme, Van Dijk writes: "We know what is at stake tonight, and it is up to us as a team to deliver the result – and the performance – that we need to secure our place in the Champions League last 16.
"We have worked extremely hard to put ourselves in this position, beating some very good teams during the league phase, but we need to finish the job now.
"This competition means a lot to us all, and we have to be fully focused and ready to work hard from the first minute to the last.
"It was very disappointing to see our unbeaten run come to an end at Bournemouth on Saturday, of course.
"To lose the way we did, in stoppage time and from such a scrappy goal, having battled so hard to get back into the game, left us all extremely frustrated.
"And for that result to come off the back of a very good one over in Marseille only adds to that sense of frustration.
"That's football. We got a lot of praise, collectively and individually, after the win against Marseille, but three days later it's the complete opposite and now we have to pick ourselves up and go again for another big game.
"I have said all season long that the key to successful teams is consistency, and that remains the case.
"We know what we are capable of as a team, but we have to find that consistency and deliver strong performances, week in and week out. It is on every one of us to accept that responsibility.
"I know that you guys are frustrated also, but that you will be behind us this evening as always.
"Like I say, this competition means a lot to everybody, and we are determined to go as far as we possibly can in it.
"We want that last-16 place badly, and we will give everything we have to get it. Let's embrace the challenge and find that consistency once more."
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