‘How Liverpool can cope with PL title nerves’ – Van Dijk
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk insists the Premier League leaders can cope with the mounting pressure of the title race.
Arne Slot’s side moved seven points clear of second-placed Arsenal after surviving a sloppy second-half display to beat struggling Wolves 2-1 on Sunday.
After conceding a stoppage-time equaliser at Merseyside rivals Everton on Wednesday, there was a palpable air of anxiety around Anfield as Liverpool laboured to protect their lead in the closing stages against Wolves.
Van Dijk understood why there were nerves in the stands and the Dutch centre-back expects more drama as Liverpool edge closer to a record-equalling 20th English crown.
“We are all human beings and I totally understand anxiety or nervousness can kick in,” he said.
“I said it weeks ago, we just have to buckle up, enjoy the ride. There will be a lot of twists and turns.
“If you’re not ready for it, it will be a difficult couple of months for you but I feel like we as a team are ready for it.
“We will give it everything we’ve got and we will see in 13 games if that is enough.”
Liverpool can extend their lead at the top to 10 points if they win at Aston Villa on Wednesday.
But Van Dijk has experience of having a 10-point lead, albeit at an earlier stage of the season, and blowing the chance to win the league.
In January 2019, Liverpool had a similar-sized cushion over Manchester City when they lost at the Etihad Stadium as Pep Guardiola’s side won 18 of their last 19 matches, with the Reds finishing second by one point.
