Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk insists two Champions League closing defeats to Actual Madrid present no further motivation because the Reds put together to face the Spanish giants once more.
The 33-year-old Netherlands defender has misplaced 4 instances towards Actual, two of these within the finals of 2018 and 2021 when arguably Liverpool had been the higher facet on each events.
Even when Liverpool have been rewarded for being on high, main 2-0 contained in the opening 14 minutes of their house quarter-final in February 2023, Actual got here again to attain 5 instances.
It’s why they continue to be such a harmful opponent and why Van Dijk doesn’t have two extra Champions League winners’ medals so as to add to the one he picked up in 2019.
“Should you lose two Champions League finals I believe that could be very, very painful,” he instructed the PA information company at an occasion in Ronald McDonald Home Alder Hey, which offers lodging for households of youngsters present process therapy on the Liverpool hospital.
“I’ve by no means received towards them in my time at Liverpool or as a time as a soccer participant.
“They discovered a solution to win at all times prior to now towards us and it was powerful. They’ve improbable gamers, a improbable supervisor, and it received’t be any completely different on Wednesday.
“I’m not that form of man who wants further gas, further ache, in an effort to be higher. Should you want further motivation for a Champions League recreation towards Actual Madrid then there’s something mistaken.
“I don’t sense that in any respect from the staff. I do know myself I’m actually wanting ahead to it and hopefully we will make it a particular night time along with our followers.
“I believe if we win we are going to qualify for the knockouts so there are such a lot of good issues at stake, hopefully we will make it.”
Liverpool go into Wednesday’s assembly at Anfield as the shape staff, the one facet to have received all 4 in Europe to this point, and with 16 victories from 18 matches in all competitions this season.
Actual, in the meantime, are nonetheless smarting from a house defeat to AC Milan final trip in Europe and Van Dijk just isn’t taking something as a right.
The Dutchman, an envoy for Ronald McDonald Home which is elevating funds for a serious refurbishment, added: “The factor is confidence could be thrown within the bin fairly simply.
“It’s all about staying very centered and concentrated and constant. Don’t get forward of your self.
“Discover a solution to win the sport and count on tough moments to occur within the recreation, particularly towards a staff like Actual Madrid.
“You might be enjoying Actual Madrid, they’ve high quality gamers all around the pitch. They’re one of many greatest golf equipment in world soccer and undoubtedly in Europe over the past years.
“We keep level-headed and work laborious and hopefully we are going to get a consequence.
“It’s undoubtedly going to occur we are going to play towards superb gamers however it’s the stage you need to be be enjoying at.
“I’m actually wanting ahead to Wednesday and we will make it a particular night time.”
:: Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk was with McDonald’s at Ronald McDonald Home Alder Hey – a charity that gives free lodging to households with ailing youngsters in hospital. To donate, spherical up your order on the McDonald’s Kiosk, By way of the QR code on the festive McCafé cups, on the McDonald’s app or right here.
