We need to remember we're champions... and play like it

VAN DIJK NOT PANICKING BUT HE KNOWS REDS HAVE TO IMPROVE AFTER BREAK

- 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 after a damaging week.

The Reds slipped to their third successive defeat on Saturday as Chelsea won 2-1 at Stamford Bridge courtesy of Estevao Willian’s stoppage-time winner.

That result came after the 1-0 loss at Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday night and last 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.

“It was always going to be a difficult season,’ Van Dijk said. “I mentioned it from the very start already. 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.

“It was a quite open game, of course, in the second half especially. Both teams trying to go for the win and to concede like that is obviously not a great feeling, especially going into the international break.