This explains it: Virgil van Dijk, the Dutch defender, revealed the factors behind Liverpool's home defeat to Manchester City, which has complicated their bid for a UEFA Champions League spot.
On 9 Feb 2026, Virgil van Dijk, the Dutch defender, spoke out about Liverpool, led by fellow Dutchman manager Arne Slot, losing at home at Anfield to Manchester City, managed by Spaniard Pep Guardiola. The defeat has made Liverpool's hopes of qualifying for next year's UEFA Champions League more difficult.
Looking back at the match, the home side Liverpool took the lead 1-0 through Dominik Szoboszlai in the 74th minute. However, the visitors Manchester City came back with two goals: Bernardo Silva in the 84th minute and a penalty by Erling Braut Haaland in the 90+3rd minute. Liverpool played with 10 men from the 90+10th minute when Dominik Szoboszlai fouled Erling Braut Haaland.
Recently, Virgil van Dijk said, "We did not perform well enough in the first half, although we improved in the second half. When the score was level, both teams had chances to win. But you can never control the entire game, and playing against Manchester City is never easy or comfortable. The penalty decided the match. We can only blame ourselves, and now we have to focus on the upcoming game against Sunderland."