Van Dijk candidly explains three reasons why Liverpool lost to PSG despite using five defenders, revealing factors that could help them overturn the deficit and advance in the UEFA Champions League.
On 9 April 2026, Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool's captain and defender, spoke after the UEFA Champions League 2025-26 quarterfinal first leg, where the fifth-placed English Premier League side lost 0-2 away to reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain, leaders of France's Ligue 1.
This result means Liverpool faces a tough challenge to turn the tie around in the second leg, which will be played back at Anfield as they host PSG on Tuesday, 14 April.
Van Dijk commented on Liverpool's defeat to PSG, saying, "It was a very tough game, as expected. I think we defended with many players around the penalty area. Unfortunately, the first goal came off a deflection."
"We had a few counterattack chances that we should have executed better. Now, we must prepare well for the next game, and we also have Fulham waiting for us."
Regarding coach Arne Slot's tactical switch to a five-defender formation, Van Dijk said, "They constantly moved all over the pitch. We had to communicate, mark our players tightly, and be willing to take risks in that regard, waiting for the right moment to win the ball back. Hopefully, we can do better, especially in maintaining possession at Anfield."
The Liverpool captain concluded about their hopes to overturn PSG in the second leg, "We have to play as perfectly as possible. Hopefully, our fans will play a crucial role in that. Our supporters are the backbone of the club, and we hope they will stand by us."