image source, Getty Images
- author, Shamoon Hafez
- role, BBC Sport Football News Correspondent at Goodison Park
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has questioned his team's aspirations to win the Premier League after a heartbreaking defeat against Merseyside rivals Everton.
With four games remaining, Liverpool are hoping for a comeback from leaders Arsenal, who are three points behind, and champions Manchester City.
The defeat at Goodison Park was the second defeat in three games as the season threatens to end.
“Do they really want to win the league?'' asked Van Dijk.
Defender Jarrad Branthwaite and striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored goals in each half as the Toffees cruised to their first home league win over Liverpool since October 2010.
It was another setback as they missed the chance to get back level on points with the Gunners after losing 1-0 at home to Crystal Palace 10 days ago.
Van Dijk told Sky Sports: “If we play like this the whole game, don't win challenges and give the referee the opportunity to award free kicks, we have no chance of winning the title.” He spoke poignantly.
“It's very disappointing in many ways. Everyone has to look in the mirror and look at their performance and think about whether they gave it their all.
“It's a tough game and we obviously have to do better against a team that is close to the relegation zone.” [positions] It's time to focus.
“If we play like we did today, we have no chance of being in the title race.”
Klopp apologizes for loss
Liverpool were aiming to win four trophies in Jurgen Klopp's final season in charge, but after losing to Manchester United in the FA Cup and Atalanta in the Europa League in recent weeks, they may only taste the Carabao Cup. unknown.
The Reds face West Ham in an early kick-off on Saturday, with their remaining three games against Tottenham, Aston Villa and Wolves.
Klopp also suggested his side were still not safe from qualifying for the Champions League, despite being 14 points behind fifth-placed Tottenham with two games in hand. .
Germany manager Klopp said: “It wasn't the most inspiring performance ever. I feel really sorry for the people.''
“I've been told a lot about my Derby record and I'm really sorry. It happened and I can't change it anymore.”
Asked what would happen in the title race, Klopp replied: “I understand that it's part of the job, but I don't know why I have to answer. You can read the table.” Ta.
“Should I say we are still fully committed to it? We need Manchester City and Arsenal crisis and we need to win every football match. If they lose every match If we do what we did tonight, nothing will change. We should just play better football.
“We have to fight through these times. People ask me about mental health, but it's not about attitude. No one is doing this intentionally. My job is to get them into a situation where they feel confident.”
“That's the hardest part of football. It didn't work out, so now we have to keep trying.”
