Van Dijk Stresses Positives Despite Liverpool’s Milan Defeat In Hong Kong

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk remained upbeat despite his side’s 4-2 defeat to AC Milan in a pre-season friendly at Kai Tak Stadium on Saturday.

Speaking after the match, Van Dijk highlighted the positives gleaned from the encounter, emphasising the squad’s hard work and the valuable experience gained in front of a passionate Hong Kong crowd.

“Obviously no one wants to lose a game,” Van Dijk acknowledged, “But coming out here, seeing so many fans cheering for us, the hard work that we have been doing each and every day has been incredible… But also what showed today… is that we have to improve certain game elements, and we will.”

Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo were on the scoresheet for Liverpool, who are currently touring Asia as part of their pre-season preparations.

Van Dijk pointed to glimpses of attacking promise in the first half and singled out young player Rio Ngumoha for praise.

“We have to keep getting better, keep making the next step, keep getting fitter and fitter,” he said, looking ahead to the Community Shield fixture.

Beyond the result, Van Dijk also addressed his role in helping new signings adapt to life at Anfield. He stressed the importance of creating a welcoming environment for players joining a club like Liverpool.

“It’s obviously very important for any new faces that come into a club like Liverpool to feel welcome, to feel at ease to show their quality immediately,” he explained.

“In terms of what I have been seeing so far, it has been great. There’s obviously a little time of adaptation, and that’s absolutely normal, but you could see today as well, all of them showed their quality today, and I think there is much more to come as well.”

The Dutch international emphasised that this responsibility extends beyond himself, with the senior players playing a crucial role in integrating new arrivals.

“I definitely feel like, not only myself but definitely the senior guys who have been much longer at the club, have a big role to play in that sense. And then, at the end of the day, it’s all down to them: they have to show it and we will be there because we are all in this absolutely together and that’s how we attack the season.”

Van Dijk reflected on his experience in Hong Kong, acknowledging the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a different culture.

“I think for us as players to come all the way here is a great thing because you get to learn a different culture, you see so many different things that obviously I have never seen before.

“I’ve never been in Hong Kong before so it’s only been positive,” he stated. He even recounted a brief excursion into Mong Kok, describing it as “nice to get a feel for everything.”

While praising the stadium and the warm climate’s benefits for pre-season fitness, Van Dijk did highlight the pitch conditions as an area for potential improvement.

“I think the pitches are a bit tricky…but that’s the only thing where there is, in my opinion, a bit of room for improvement.”

Despite the defeat, Van Dijk’s comments suggest a positive atmosphere within the Liverpool camp as they prepare to depart for Japan on Sunday for the next leg of their Asian tour.

“Overall we had a fantastic time here, in my opinion, apart from the result tonight. I’ve definitely enjoyed my time over here and let’s see in the future if we all come back.”