Virgil van Dijk admits Liverpool's defensive struggles are 'not sustainable'
Virgil van Dijk has warned that Liverpool's defensive record is 'not sustainable' after Fenerbahce scored three times from set-pieces to beat the Reds 3-2 in Istanbul.
Andoni Iraola's side led twice in the Champions League on Wednesday, through Trey Nyoni and Alexander Isak, but were pegged back quickly on both occasions before Vedat Muriqi headed a 79th-minute winner.
The defeat ended Liverpool's perfect record in this season's league phase, but the worry runs deeper than one result. The Reds had also let in three goals in their wins over Villarreal and LASK, the first time Liverpool have ever conceded three or more in three consecutive major European games.
It also means back-to-back defeats for the first time under Iraola, following the loss to Arsenal at the weekend.
Liverpool's league record makes for better reading, with only three teams having conceded fewer than their nine goals. However, Van Dijk warned his team that their concession of soft goals cannot continue in Europe.
"It's definitely not sustainable. 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."
The captain singled out the set-piece goals as the most frustrating part of the night.
"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," he said.
Liverpool face Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday, the last game before the international break. They sit fifth with 15 points from nine games.
Van Dijk said the clash with the Eagles is 'massive' after successive setbacks for Iraola's side.
"It's massive. When we are back in Liverpool, preparing and recovering physically and mentally, we will be looking forward. It is always tough at Palace and I don't expect anything different."
'We cannot lose in the manner we did'
The Dutchman believes the setbacks can still strengthen the squad. "I mentioned after the last game [against Arsenal] that we as a group have to go through good moments but also lesser good moments," he said.
"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."
