Virgil van Dijk Discusses Liverpool's 'Miracle' Run to Champions League Glory & Ballon d'Or Hopes

13 August 2019 15:20

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has opened up about the mood at the club towards the end of last season, when it looked like they were set to miss out on both Premier League and Champions League glory.

They may have finished a point behind Manchester City in the league, but the Reds overturned a 3-0 deficit against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final en route to lifting Europe's most prestigious trophy.

Georginio Wijnaldum,Virgil van Dijk

Speaking to ​France Football, Van Dijk confessed that, after losing against ​Barcelona, the ​Liverpool players felt like their season was set to end miserably, but the support of the fans spurred them on.

He said: "When we lost the first leg of the semi-final in Barcelona, we were completely down, really very low morally. 

"The weekend before the return match, we played in ​Newcastle, and we won 3-2, scoring in the last minute. On Sunday, we all watched the game where ​Manchester City won beat ​Leicester thanks to ​Vincent Kompany's incredible goal. 

Virgil van Dijk

"It was very difficult for us because, in our heads, we understood that City would not give up and that our season could end two days later, with the return match against Barcelona. Now, we had to perform a miracle. 

"It was when we arrived at the stadium that we started to believe that it was possible, when we saw the fervour, the atmosphere, the fans who supported us. It was the trigger! We realised it could be a magical night."

Asked whether he felt the expectation of ending Liverpool's long wait for the ​Premier League title, Van Dijk responded: "No, I'm not that kind of person. 


"First of all, I've only been here 18 months. Even if I know the history of the club, and if I know that Liverpool want this title more than any team, I don't feel the pressure. We just missed this title last year. We know what we have to do. Simply do better than last year."

Finally, he touched on his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or, insisting that he feels no pressure to win the prestigious award.

"Honestly, not at all. For the simple reason that it is a vote, and that I have no control or influence over it. I can't do anything to change people's opinion of me," Van Dijk added.

"I am very proud to be among the candidates, but the only thing I can do is keep my feet on the ground, and try to do even better than last season."

Source: 90min