Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has warned his team-mates that their current defensive form is "not sustainable" following a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Fenerbahce. The Reds surrendered a late lead in Istanbul, conceding three times from set-pieces to mark a historically poor run in European competition.
Van Dijk demands immediate defensive improvements
Van Dijk was left frustrated as Liverpool's defensive frailties were exposed once again during a chaotic night in Turkey. Despite taking the lead through Trey Nyoni - who became the youngest player in Liverpool's history to score his first goal in Europe - and later regaining the advantage via Alexander Isak, the Reds fell to a 3-2 defeat. The manner of the goals conceded, all coming from set-piece situations, left the Dutch captain questioning the team's concentration and tactical discipline under pressure.
"It's definitely not sustainable," Van Dijk told reporters after the match. "That's why it's a very disappointing night for many reasons, but definitely because of 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 weren't ready for the first and second balls. It's a tough one to take." The captain admitted he was angry but chose to keep his emotions in check to support a dressing room that was already visibly demoralised by the result.
An unprecedented slump in European history
The statistics behind Liverpool’s recent European outings make for grim reading for manager Andoni Iraola. This defeat marked the first time in the club's long and illustrious history that they have conceded three or more goals in three consecutive major European matches.
Having previously shipped three against LASK and Villarreal, the backline was breached again by Mason Greenwood, Archie Brown, and Vedat Muriqi. This defensive instability is a sharp contrast to their domestic form, where the Reds have maintained one of the best records in the Premier League so far this season.
The drop-off in continental competition is staggering, with Liverpool conceding 10 goals in just four Champions League fixtures this term. This total is already five more than they allowed during the entirety of their 2024-25 campaign.
Focus shifts to Premier League recovery
Despite the setback, Van Dijk is hopeful that these "lesser moments" will eventually serve to strengthen the squad’s character. The Reds currently sit fifth in the Premier League table and must quickly turn their attention to a difficult away fixture against Crystal Palace.
"I mentioned after the last game against Arsenal that we as a group have to go through good moments but also lesser good moments," Van Dijk explained. "That will only form a bigger bond and it will be only beneficial. No-one wants to lose games, especially how we did, but it should only help us in the near future. We should not accept losing, especially in the manner we did." With qualification for the Champions League knockout stages still within reach - Liverpool currently sit on nine points - the focus now shifts to ensuring these defensive collapses do not become a defining characteristic of their season under Iraola's leadership.
I began my journalism career in 2011, initially specializing in investigative reporting. This experience allowed me to explore different fields in depth, develop strong analytical skills, and build a solid foundation in journalism. Eventually, I decided to pursue my first passion: football. I went on to cover the Egyptian national teams across all age groups, while expanding my coverage to include the global game and its biggest stories.
My passion for football began on the pitch, where I played for the youth teams of several Egyptian clubs. That early experience shaped my understanding of the game and fueled my desire to follow football at every level. My journey as a fan of the global game dates back to the 1998 FIFA World Cup, alongside a deep-rooted interest in Egyptian domestic football. However, my connection with the game has never been limited to watching matches on television. I have consistently followed my favorite team, Zamalek, from the stands, experiencing the atmosphere, emotions, and intensity of Egyptian football firsthand. As one of the most successful clubs of the 20th century, Zamalek holds a special place in my football journey.
On the European stage, AC Milan has always been my favorite club, largely because of my admiration for legendary players such as George Weah, Paolo Maldini, Gennaro Gattuso, Kaká, Andrea Pirlo, Ronaldinho, and Clarence Seedorf. My appreciation for these football icons has also made watching historic El Clásico encounters between Real Madrid and Barcelona even more enjoyable, allowing me to appreciate the rivalry without taking sides in the endless debates between their supporters. Among all my football memories, one stands above the rest: AC Milan’s redemption against Liverpool in the 2007 UEFA Champions League final, when Filippo Inzaghi scored a historic brace to secure a memorable victory.
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with two of the Middle East’s leading sports platforms, Kooora and GOAL.com. These experiences have given me extensive knowledge of both Arab and international football, while allowing me to develop my skills across different areas of sports journalism and digital content. In 2022, I was honored to become a member of the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate, marking an important milestone in my professional journey. In January 2026, I took another significant step in my career by transitioning to the English-language edition of GOAL.com, broadening my experience in international football journalism and English-language sports content while continuing to pursue my passion for telling the stories that make football the world's game.
