Virgil van Dijk warns of unsustainable defensive form after Fenerbahce loss

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has warned that the team’s defensive struggles in the Champions League are “not sustainable” following a 3-2 defeat to Fenerbahce in Istanbul. The loss marked the first time the club has conceded three or more goals in three consecutive major European matches, having also conceded three goals each against Villarreal and LASK.

All three of Fenerbahce’s goals resulted from set-piece situations. Van Dijk noted that while the team had been effective in such scenarios earlier this season, they “switched off and weren’t ready for the first and second balls.” The defeat represents Liverpool’s second consecutive loss under manager Andoni Iraola.

Statistically, Liverpool has conceded 10 goals in four Champions League matches this season, averaging 2.5 goals per game. This is the highest average conceded in any of the club’s European Cup or Champions League campaigns. Despite the setback, Van Dijk expressed hope that the experience would strengthen the squad’s bond.