Virgil Van Dijk urges Liverpool to bounce back after 'unacceptable' defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League

Liverpool captain Van Dijk is using the recent defeat as motivation to bounce back against Milan and get their campaign back on track quickly. "We have a talented group of players who know that our performance was not up to standard and we are all disappointed," the Dutch defender stated. "We are aware that we need to step up our game and we are determined to prove that on Tuesday. That is our main focus right now."

"We have been through losses and difficult moments together and I think we have to stay calm and we will stay calm. "Hopefully, if there are no injuries happening, then rhythm is always a good thing. "We need the whole squad and we know after the international break it will be a game every three days so we need everyone in their best shape and best form."

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Liverpool had looked impressive in their wins against Ipswich, Brentford and Manchester United. They managed to avoid conceding a goal in any of those games, before Forest forward Callum Hudson-Odoi finally breached Van Dijk's defence at the weekend.

Asked what they had to do to prevent the defeat impacting their early-season momentum, Van Dijk said: "Keep going and keep working and make sure the performances don't go in that direction.

"We all know how the atmosphere can change but that is also part of the influence from outside which could affect you. "I can't wait to be out there hearing the Champions League tune and leading out the boys. "A club like Liverpool needs to be in the Champions League and we are finally back, so let's go out there and put in a much better performance as it is needed; otherwise, you are going to have an issue."

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