Van Dijk admits Liverpool's three-goal defensive leaks in Europe are 'not sustainable'

Virgil van Dijk conceded that Liverpool’s defensive record in Europe has reached an unacceptable level after a 3-2 defeat to Fenerbahce in Istanbul, with the Reds shipping three goals for the third successive Champions League outing — a first in the club’s history.

The loss was compounded by the manner of the collapse. Liverpool surrendered the lead twice and appeared to lose all composure after Fenerbahce’s opener, with the intimidating atmosphere at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium contributing to a disjointed second-half display. Three of the goals conceded came from set-pieces, an area in which Arne Slot’s side had previously been reliable.

“Definitely not sustainable,” said Van Dijk in his post-match assessment. “That’s why it is a very disappointing night for many reasons, but definitely the goals we conceded and the manner we conceded them as well. There is work to do. Three set-pieces as well. We have been very good at them so far this season but we switched off and were not ready for the first and second balls. It is a tough one to take.”

The broader defensive numbers underline the concern. Across 15 fixtures in all competitions this season, Liverpool have kept just four clean sheets — against Ipswich, Fulham, Bournemouth and Brighton — with only one of those coming in their last ten matches.

Signs of frustration were visible even from the typically composed Dutchman, who shoved Irfan Kahveci to the ground during a second-half corner. Asked whether he felt angry, Van Dijk did not deny it. “Yes. But I didn’t show it today because everyone looked disappointed and they have a reason to be, they should be disappointed. We cannot lose in the manner we did.”

Despite the result, Liverpool’s qualification prospects remain intact with four group games still to play, having won their previous two European fixtures despite conceding three goals in each. However, the defeat also ended a five-match winning run and handed the side back-to-back losses for the first time under Andoni Iraola.

Attention now turns to Sunday’s Premier League trip to Crystal Palace, with Van Dijk keen to channel the disappointment into an immediate response. “There is always noise and people say or have opinions about us all the time. Our focus is only on improving,” he said. “This is a difficult one to take but we have to focus on Sunday. For our supporters it is just a shame — I feel sorry for all of them.”