Everton vs Liverpool: Virgil van Dijk aims dig at rivals for 'celebrating a 0-0'

The Reds were the more attacking team but failed to take any of their opportunities as the points were shared in the 233rd meeting of the two sides

Carl Markham
Monday 04 March 2019 10:12 GMT
Comments
Jurgen Klopp reflects on Everton vs Liverpool match

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk appeared to aim a dig at Everton after they celebrated their goalless draw at Goodison Park.

The Reds were the more attacking team but failed to take any of their opportunities as the points were shared in the 233rd meeting of the two sides.

And Van Dijk, who was named man of the match, was suprised at the reaction at full-time both on the pitch and in the stands.

"It says a lot at the end that they are celebrating a 0-0," he said afterwards.

"I like these kind of games but we came for three points and we didn't get it so now it's time to recover for the next game.

"Our next game is next week and that's the only thing we focus on now. Obviously we want to be top of the league but we aren't at the moment."

The draw means for the first time since December the outcome of the Premier League is no longer in their hands with Manchester City now a point clear at the top.

Despite that Jurgen Klopp insists there is no need to panic after falling behind in the title race.

"The only way that you can win something is to stay calm but lively, critical but confident, and in the end believe in your chance," said Klopp. "I believe 100 per cent in our chance.

"Beginning of March, who cares? The good thing is we are in that battle, that's really good news. My feeling is more and more we are really prepared for it."

The German, however, bristled at suggestions he did not go for the win against Everton as aggressively as he might have done.

But said he did not care about the league position with more than two months of the season remaining.

Liverpool were disappointed with the result
Liverpool were disappointed with the result (AFP/Getty Images)

"We don't play PlayStation. Do you think we didn't take enough risks? That's a really disappointing question, I have to say," was Klopp's response.

"There are nine games to go, we don't lose our nerve like you obviously. It's the second time you ask a question I really don't get.

"There's not a moment where we say, 'Come on now, throw everything in that direction'. You cannot play in the Premier League like that.

"We take all the risks but you cannot take more than 100 per cent risk, going nuts.

"I don't think I have to give my players advice because they know it already. We are not little boys any more."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in