Virgil: We should not forget that we're champions

VIRGIL VAN DIJK says Liverpool should not lose sight of their status as Premier League champions as the captain called for perspective after a damaging week.

- By PAUL GORST

The Reds slipped to their third successive defeat on Saturday as Chelsea won 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.

That result came after the 1-0 loss at Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday and last weekend's 2-1 reverse at Crystal Palace.

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

“It was always going to be a difficult season,” Van Dijk said. “We have to go through this as one, not only us as players but also the staff and our fans who celebrated being champions, which is something we shouldn't forget.