Virgil van Dijk expressed no grievances following Liverpool’s exit from the Champions League at the hands of reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain, a loss further marred by a significant injury to Hugo Ekitike.
Ousmane Dembele’s two goals ensured a 2-0 victory for PSG in the quarter-final second leg against a Liverpool side that struggled to keep up on Tuesday night.
The six-time European champions were lucky to still be in the contest after they managed to leave last week’s first leg at Parc des Princes with only a 2-0 defeat, having been in what Reds manager Arne Slot described as “survival mode”.
Despite Liverpool showing a marked improvement from the first encounter, club captain Van Dijk found little comfort in the effort. When it was suggested that the team had at least made a fight of it on home turf, he responded: “That’s the absolute minimum, isn’t it?”
“It’s frustrating to be eliminated, but PSG earned their spot in the next round.”
“Just trying hard isn’t enough. I’m disheartened that we’ve been knocked out, but that’s the truth of the matter. I believe PSG deserved to progress based on their performances over the two matches.”
The defeat extinguished any remaining aspirations Liverpool had for silverware this season, and it seemed to signal an unfortunate conclusion to Ekitike’s inaugural year at Anfield.
The 23-year-old forward has netted 17 goals across 45 appearances since his transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt and was anticipated to represent France in the upcoming World Cup.
However, he had to be stretchered off after suffering a troubling fall in the first half, with Slot suggesting the injury appeared “really bad” and would require further assessment on Wednesday.
Liverpool has yet to confirm the extent of the injury, amidst reports indicating that the striker may have ruptured his Achilles tendon, which could keep him sidelined for a minimum of nine months.
With Alexander Isak back to full fitness, he is likely to lead the attack against Everton on Sunday in the first Merseyside derby at the Toffees’ new Hill Dickinson Stadium, where Liverpool will pursue their aim of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
“At this point, we should feel very disappointed,” stated Van Dijk.
“Yet a massive game is just around the corner. We all recognise its significance. It will be a tough battle, but it’s something to anticipate.”
“Right now, however, I’m not feeling great because we’ve been knocked out of the Champions League.”
Compiled by SportArena.au
Fanpage: SportArena.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
