The Reds host PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League at Anfield tonight (8pm GMT kick-off) and are looking to return to winning ways after back-to-back defeats in the Premier League.
In his notes for the official matchday programme, captain Van Dijk writes: “It goes without saying that we need to show a reaction this evening.
“Saturday’s defeat by Nottingham Forest was bad, a really tough day for us all, and the position we find ourselves in right now is not acceptable.
“Everyone has to step up and take responsibility, and show that they have the desire and the character to turn things around. At the moment, we are letting ourselves down, letting the manager down and letting you guys down, and we know that has to change.
“Like I say, it is on us to make that change, nobody else. We can talk about what’s going wrong and what we need to do, but it’s about actions, not words.
“Each and every one of us has to first look in the mirror and then, as a team, we have to come together to show that we are better than this, stronger than this.
“It all starts with the basics; hard work, a willingness to fight for every first ball, every second ball, to compete in every duel, to block shots and win challenges. We have to do all of those things as a team. It is the only way.
