Virgil van Dijk opens up on Liverpool's defensive struggles after Reds are downed by Crystal Palace in Community Shield

Hugo Ekitike handed the Reds an early lead before Jean-Philippe Mateta equalised from the penalty spot. The reigning English champions soon restored their lead only to concede another equaliser towards the end of the game. The match then went to penalties, where Palace emerged victorious 3-2.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Van Dijk admitted the team needs to work on improving their defence ahead of their title defence, as the Dutchman said: "We have conceded every game bar one this pre-season. Something we definitely have to work on. We will. I am not worried whatsoever. There is a reason why we were defensively good last year and we can get back to it."

The 34-year-old also sent out a message to his team-mates before the start of the 2025-26 campaign as he urged the entire team to come together after the setback the club faced collectively following Diogo Jota's tragic death. The Dutch defender added: "It will be a very difficult season but we are all in this together. As a team, fans, it was always going to be tough with everything that happened (with Diogo), the only way to overcome it is together."

Arne Slot's side kick off their league campaign on Friday night when they entertain Bournemouth at Anfield.