Champions League
Van Dijk Issues ‘pressure’ warning to boss Slot following Liverpool’s reality check
Virgil van Dijk has made it clear that Liverpool boss Arne Slot won’t have a honeymoon period as he settles into his new role.
Despite leading Liverpool to an impressive 1-0 victory over AC Milan in their Champions League opener, Slot’s start has been anything but smooth.
This win followed a disappointing home defeat to Nottingham Forest, highlighting the unpredictability of Liverpool’s recent form.
Van Dijk described the loss to Forest as a “reality check” and stressed that maintaining high standards is crucial for success. He warned that if Liverpool’s performance levels drop again, Slot will face significant pressure.
“In football, you need to perform both today and tomorrow,” Van Dijk told reporters. “If you don’t, the pressure from outside will build up. We need to stay calm. It’s up to me, the manager, and the players to deliver on the pitch. Losing at home to Forest was a shock and a wake-up call for us. Milan was a great reaction, but now we need to focus on recovering and preparing for our next match.”
Liverpool will face Bournemouth on Saturday, a key fixture for Slot as he tries to follow in Jurgen Klopp’s footsteps.
Despite a strong performance in Milan, Van Dijk reflected on the Forest game, admitting it may have seemed like Liverpool had “no plan” during that match.
“We showed the reaction we needed in Milan,” Van Dijk said. “It’s important to remember that criticisms from the outside are just noise. Our focus must be on what happens on the pitch. If we play with a clear plan, unlike how we looked at times against Forest, we’ll perform better.”
Van Dijk, who scored against Milan along with central defensive partner Ibrahima Konaté, emphasized the importance of set pieces this season. He also praised Cody Gakpo, who made an impact in Milan with his first start of the season.
“Gakpo has had some excellent performances in the past, and we shouldn’t overlook that,” Van Dijk said. “We know what he’s capable of. With only one game a week, players need to be patient and at their best. Set pieces are crucial for us. Even though it sometimes looks easier than it is, me and Ibou are both tall and should convert more of those chances. It’s a matter of fighting for every ball. Our goals in Milan showed how vital set pieces can be for us.”
Van Dijk’s remarks underscore the urgency for Liverpool to maintain consistency and adapt quickly to Slot’s management style. As the season progresses, the team’s ability to bounce back from setbacks will be crucial in meeting their ambitions.
Champions League
Touching Moment as Arsenal Star’s Mum Celebrates His UCL Debut
Marcia Lewis experienced an unforgettable moment as she watched her son, Myles Lewis-Skelly, make his Champions League debut for Arsenal, and her emotional reaction spoke volumes.
Myles was brought on as a stoppage-time substitute for Bukayo Saka during Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain.
The 18-year-old’s appearance came nearly a year after signing his first professional contract with the club.
Having already made his Premier League debut in a 2-2 draw against Manchester City in September, this Champions League debut marked another milestone in his budding career.
In heartwarming footage, Marcia can be seen shaking her head in disbelief as her son’s substitution is announced, clearly overwhelmed by the moment.
When Myles’ name appears on the big screen, she lets out an excited scream, covers her mouth, and taps her loved ones, fully realizing that her son is playing on Europe’s biggest stage.
Her joy is palpable as she claps enthusiastically, raising her arms to celebrate this proud family achievement.
With tears in her eyes, Marcia manages to utter, “Oh my God,” capturing the depth of her pride and excitement.
Lewis-Skelly, who hails from Islington, has had an eventful few weeks. Having risen through the ranks of Arsenal’s Hale End academy since his early days as an under-nine, he has quickly established himself as a promising talent.
Notably, during his Premier League debut against Manchester City, he was even booked on the sidelines for what the PGMOL described as “showing a lack of respect for the game” after being sent to communicate with goalkeeper David Raya, who appeared to be time-wasting.
Manager Mikel Arteta has been full of praise for the young midfielder. “He’s a competitor,” Arteta said. “Every duel he enters, he engages with his teammates and always maintains eye contact. He’s a special character with versatility. He can play as a left-back, No.6, or No.8, adapting to different roles. His intelligence and competitive edge make him stand out at this level, and he’s eager to succeed.”
Champions League
Endrick Set for First Real Madrid Start in CL Showdown Against Lille
Real Madrid is gearing up for their second league phase match of the 2024-25 Champions League against Lille, and Carlo Ancelotti has revealed his line-up, which includes one major surprise.
Endrick Felipe, who has been patiently waiting for his chance to shine since joining the club, will make his first start for Real Madrid.
Despite showing promise in several substitute appearances, this will be the Brazilian’s debut in the starting XI. Ancelotti has opted to give Endrick the nod, leaving Rodrygo Goes on the bench.
Another notable inclusion is Eduardo Camavinga, who returns to the starting line-up for the first time this season after recovering from a knee injury.
He replaces Luka Modric, marking the second change from the squad that played in the Madrid derby.
In a surprising move, Kylian Mbappe has been included in the matchday squad, returning from a thigh injury two weeks ahead of schedule.
Although he is not fully fit to start, he will be available as a substitute, joining Rodrygo and Modric on the bench.
Champions League
Arsenal 2-0 PSG: Gunners Survive Second Half Scare, Havertz & Saka on Target [VIDEO]
Arsenal took full advantage of two costly errors by Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to secure a 2-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium in their Champions League clash tonight.
The Gunners’ first win of the new campaign came courtesy of first-half goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka, with Mikel Arteta’s side capitalizing on set-pieces to break down their Ligue 1 opponents.
Leandro Trossard provided a pinpoint cross for Havertz’s opener in the 20th minute, but Donnarumma’s mistake made the goal possible. The PSG keeper rushed off his line and failed to claim the ball, allowing Havertz an easy finish.
Donnarumma was again in the spotlight just 15 minutes later when Saka’s free kick sailed through the penalty area, slipping past the Italian goalkeeper right down the middle to double Arsenal’s lead before halftime.
Despite dominating possession, PSG struggled to break down Arsenal’s defense. Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes came close in the first half, with Mendes hitting the post, but they couldn’t find a breakthrough.
Gabriel Martinelli nearly extended Arsenal’s lead early in the second half, but his one-on-one effort was saved by Donnarumma. PSG had their best chance to pull one back when Joao Neves hit the crossbar from a corner midway through the second half.
Arsenal, boasting one of Europe’s most formidable defenses, managed to hold on for a clean sheet, leaving Luis Enrique’s PSG side with just one goal in the UCL this season — an own goal in their previous match against Girona.
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