HEAVY THE RED THAT WEARS THE CROWN

Van Dijk: We expected a tough transition but now it’s time to show why we are champions

- BY PAUL GORST

VIRGIL van Dijk says Liverpool should not lose sight of their status as Premier League champions as the captain called for perspective at the end of a damaging week.

The Reds slipped to their third successive defeat as Estevao Willian’s stoppage-time winner added to the 1-0 loss at Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday night and the previous weekend's 2-1 reverse to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Van Dijk admits the level of turnover in the playing staff this season means a tough adaptation period was always anticipated inside a new-look camp as he urged everyone at Anfield to remember how they romped to the title by 10 points last term.