GOOD COP, BAD KOP!

Van Dijk remains upbeat as Reds play drab then turn fab

- BY SIMON CASS

VIRGIL VAN DIJK was very impressed with the improvement Liverpool showed over the space of four days.

But the Reds skipper knows it is the next four months which will decide whether their season is deemed a success or failure.

Given the 14-point gap leaders Arsenal hold over Arne Slot's side in the Premier League table, even the most optimistic Reds fan would concede any chance of retaining the title is long gone.

But the hope remains, certainly with Van Dijk, that Liverpool can still add to their trophy cabinet this season.

Wednesday night's 3-0 win in Marseille means the Merseysiders can guarantee advancing straight to the last 16 of the Champions League with victory at Anfield against Qarabag next Wednesday.

A deep FA Cup run also remains a live possibility, even if a tricky tie at home to Brighton next month must be negotiated.

Their 13-match unbeaten run could certainly be viewed as deceiving, given it has contained six draws in the Premier League.