By Basant El-Faramawy
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has admitted the team's defensive inconsistency in the Champions League cannot continue after a 3-2 defeat to Fenerbahce in Istanbul. The loss marked the third consecutive European match in which Liverpool have conceded three goals, an unprecedented run in the club's history.
Record Conceding Streak
Across 15 fixtures in all competitions this season, Liverpool have managed only four clean sheets, with just one in their last 10 matches. Against Fenerbahce, they surrendered a lead twice and lost composure after the home side's opener, leaving their qualification prospects intact but exposing deeper vulnerabilities.
Set-piece Vulnerabilities Exposed
Van Dijk highlighted that all three goals came from set-pieces, an area where Liverpool had previously been strong. "We switched off and were not ready for the first and second balls," he said, calling the manner of the goals "definitely not sustainable."
Frustration Visible
The usually composed defender shoved Fenerbahce's Irfan Kahveci during a second-half corner, later acknowledging his anger. "Yes. But I didn't show it today because everyone looked disappointed and they have a reason to be," Van Dijk added, emphasizing the need to avoid losing in such a manner.
Focus Shifts to Crystal Palace
The defeat ended a five-match winning run and brought consecutive losses for the first time under manager Andoni Iraola. Liverpool now turn their attention to Sunday's Premier League trip to Crystal Palace, with Van Dijk insisting the squad's focus remains solely on improvement.
