Virgil van Dijk’s team talk was picked up by cameras inside Anfield before Liverpool’s clash against Manchester United.
On Sunday afternoon, Arne Slot’s men had the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points with a win over bitter rivals United.
However, Liverpool produced a disappointing display as United were the better side from start to finish, with the match ending in a 2-2 draw.
As a result, Liverpool’s lead at the top over Arsenal currently stands at just six points.
A few days after the match, Liverpool posted an Inside Anfield video on their YouTube channel.
During the video, captain Van Dijk warned his teammates about how tough the match would be before they headed out onto the pitch.
The Dutchman said: “It’s always going to be tough today boys but we all know that we have prepared. Let’s go.”
Van Dijk’s words rang true as Liverpool struggled to control the match early doors, which resulted in two vital points dropped in their bid to become Premier League champions.
Speaking after the match, Van Dijk said: “Do I feel United were disrespected? Yeah. I heard in the press conference someone asked if we were going to rotate players against United.
“I was shocked. It is one of the biggest games of the season and United will always make it tough. To hear that, I was surprised.”
He added: “We are playing against a good opponent. I think everyone from the outside world forgets that judging by the sound that had been going around before the game. They have good players. They are obviously a work in progress like we are but they made it difficult for us.”
“It could have been a lot worse, if we are absolutely honest with ourselves. They had a big chance in the end and that could have been a lot worse than where we are now. I’m definitely disappointed with dropping points at home, but it is what it is and we have to move on and we will.”
Liverpool are back in action on Wednesday night when they take on Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup.
