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Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk WARNS team-mates - ‘You have to believe or stay home’
LIVERPOOL defender Virgil van Dijk has told his team-mates to be up for the fight to win both the Champions League and the Premier League.
The Reds take on Porto tonight as they look to make it into the semi-finals of Europe’s elite competition.
And Liverpool also sit top of the Premier League after a 2-0 win over Chelsea at the weekend.
Van Dijk has told his team-mates they have to believe or ‘stay at home’ ahead of a big few weeks for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
“It is a great time to be a Liverpool player,” he said.
“We have eight games left, fingers crossed, so we have to give it everything we have got.
“That's what we have to do now, just focus on ourselves, give it everything we have and see where it takes us.
“You have to believe, otherwise you can stay home next time. You need that belief.
“You know, just go for it. We play a tough team in Porto, we had a good result against them, but it's not over and we know we are going to face an even harder game over there.
“We are not thinking we are through, but hopefully we can finish the job, and move into the next round.”
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Van Dijk has also warned his team-mates of the challenge Porto will provide tonight.
The Reds know a win in Portugal will take them through to the semi-finals of the Champions League.
“We know how tough it can be. Porto will probably still have the belief they should have, but we obviously believe we are going here to finish the job,” explained Van Dijk.
“We will play are game. We are not going to defend the 2-0 we want to attack and play like we have been playing all season.
“Hopefully create chances to score a goal maybe two away goals, which will make it tough for them.
“I think they are a tougher rival this season, especially when we played last year away, they had a couple of injuries and changes, and we were also very clinical in front of goal then too.
“We maybe got a bit lucky. I think they have definitely improved. But so have we.
“They are more experienced and they have a lot of talent in the team. They can be very dangerous.
“They have two big players back from suspension for the game, so it is going to be a tough game and we have to be careful. I am looking forward to it.”