‘Horrible’ - Virgil van Dijk issues Newcastle United battle cry to Liverpool supporters
Virgil van Dijk has urged Liverpool supporters to make Anfield a bear pit for Newcastle United on Wednesday.
A comfortable 2-0 win for the Reds against Manchester City capped off a perfect weekend for Arne Slot’s men. With Arsenal suffering a shock defeat to West Ham United, Liverpool are now 1/12 favourites with bookmakers to clinch a 20th Premier League title.
Newcastle stand in their way this week for a clash that many are viewing as a tune-up for next month’s Carabao Cup final. The Magpies have not won at Anfield since 1994 - when Rob Lee and Andy Cole secured a 2-0 win.
A rotten record - and Liverpool’s relentless form - hardly fills Toon fans with confidence ahead of the Premier League showdown. But the Wembley clash gives the game added bite and the Magpies will be keen to pit their wits against the Reds in a de facto trial run.
Victory - albeit unlikely - could lift Newcastle up to third should other results go their way. And while supporters may not like to hear it, the St James’ Park hierarchy would likely value Champions League qualification over a Carabao Cup trophy.
Speaking after Liverpool swept Man City aside, Reds captain Van Dijk rallied supporters - urging them to make Anfield “horrible” for Newcastle on Wednesday. He told Sky Sports: “I mentioned after (Wolves) it is human that there could be some anxious feelings kicking in and that could still be the case. But I think it only helps us and (the fans) to make Anfield horrible for the opponent.
“Most of the time we have been doing that, and obviously the way we play helps with that as well. How many home games are left? Seven of eleven? Let’s make sure those seven are going to be amazing, as loud as possible. So let’s go, enjoy, focus on Wednesday now.”
“This was a big win. I told the guys, ‘Don’t take these for granted when you go home recover and be ready for the preparation for Newcastle’. Tunnel vision. Nothing else matters. And we need our fans to be in great shape on Wednesday as well.”