Virgil van Dijk rallies Liverpool for PSG: 'These are the nights we live for'

Liverpool are preparing to face Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield tonight needing to overturn a two-goal deficit from the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final. For Van Dijk, the challenge is huge, but the opportunity is even bigger.

Writing in the matchday programme, the captain admitted the scale of the task but insisted this was exactly where the team wanted to be.

"These are the games, the nights that we all live for," he said. "If you can't get excited for this, then you're in the wrong sport."

Van Dijk pointed to famous European comebacks at Anfield against sides like Manchester City, Roma and Barcelona, stressing that belief inside the dressing room remained strong despite a poor performance in Paris.

"Yes, the performance in Paris was not good enough," he said. "We must improve in every area if we are to have a chance. Anfield, though, is different."

The Dutch defender emphasised that both the players and supporters would need to deliver.

"We will need something special - from our performance and from the atmosphere. Both have to be absolutely spot on."

He added: "With every challenge, every tackle, every run, we have to show intent, commitment and desire. PSG are a very good team and we have to be ready to work for 90 minutes - and more if necessary."

Off the pitch, Van Dijk also reflected on the significance of the week, as the club marked the anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

"We want to honour the men, women and children who lost their lives," he said. "You are in our thoughts, on this day and always."

Team News and Selection Picture

Manager Arne Slot has been handed a timely boost with Curtis Jones returning to training after a recent injury. He is expected to be included in the squad, likely from the bench.

Cody Gakpo is also fit and available, while Alexander Isak was pushing for a starting role after recovering from a long-term issue.

However, there are key absentees. Alisson Becker remains sidelined, meaning Giorgi Mamardashvili will continue in goal. Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo, Giovanni Leoni and Stefan Bajcetic are all ruled out.

There is also added tension, with Van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister all one booking away from suspension.

But the message from the captain is simple - focus on the moment.

"Let's give everything we have," Van Dijk said. "Hopefully we can write another special chapter in this club's history."