Title race over? Liverpool's Van Dijk says not yet

After another difficult weekend for Liverpool, questions about their Premier League title hopes are louder than ever. Following their 3-1 defeat to Manchester City, many pundits have already declared the title race finished. But Virgil van Dijk, the Liverpool captain, insists that the fight is far from over. “We’ve been in this position before,” Van Dijk said after the match. “It’s never over until it’s mathematically impossible. We will keep pushing.”

His words reflect a mixture of frustration and belief inside the Liverpool camp. Despite a string of inconsistent results, Van Dijk maintains that the team’s mentality remains strong. With more than half the season still to play, he believes Liverpool can recover — but it will require resilience, focus, and unity.

A difficult moment for Liverpool

The loss to Manchester City exposed the same issues that have plagued Liverpool for much of the season: defensive fragility, lack of control in midfield, and an inability to finish chances. City’s precision and dominance left Liverpool chasing shadows for large parts of the game. Yet, Van Dijk refused to point fingers, emphasizing collective responsibility. “We win together, we lose together,” he said. “The only way forward is to learn and respond.”

Liverpool’s poor form has seen them drop points against several mid-table sides, raising questions about their consistency. The Reds have struggled to replace the energy and creativity that once defined their midfield, and key injuries have disrupted the team’s rhythm. Manager Arne Slot, in his first season at Anfield, now faces the challenge of steadying the ship under immense pressure.

Van Dijk’s leadership under scrutiny

As captain, Van Dijk carries a heavy burden. Since taking the armband, he has been vocal about maintaining standards within the dressing room. Critics, however, argue that the Dutch defender’s performances have dipped compared to his peak years. Mistimed tackles and lapses in concentration have become more frequent — signs that even one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders is not immune to decline.

Still, Van Dijk’s influence off the pitch remains crucial. His calm demeanor and professionalism continue to set the tone for younger players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones. Within the club, staff members describe him as the “voice of reason” during difficult times. “He speaks with honesty,” said one insider. “He reminds everyone that Liverpool’s success was built on unity and hard work, not panic.”

The Slot factor – adapting to a new era

The appointment of Arne Slot marked the beginning of a new chapter after Jürgen Klopp’s transformative reign. While Slot’s tactical approach — built around possession and pressing — mirrors Klopp’s in intensity, the transition has not been seamless. Players are still adapting to new patterns, roles, and rhythms.

Slot himself acknowledged that the process takes time. “You can’t rebuild a team overnight,” he said. “But the belief is there.” The manager has asked fans for patience, urging them to focus on the long-term vision rather than short-term setbacks. His relationship with Van Dijk, who also captains the Netherlands national team, is seen as vital to maintaining stability and leadership during the transition.

Mental strength versus reality

Liverpool’s mentality has long been their trademark, especially during the Klopp era. From the incredible 2019 Champions League comeback against Barcelona to their 2020 Premier League triumph, resilience has defined the club’s identity. But now, that mental toughness is being tested more than ever.

Van Dijk insists the team must rediscover its edge: “We’ve shown before that we can bounce back. It’s about doing it again.” Yet, with City’s dominance and Arsenal’s consistency, the margin for error is minimal. Even minor lapses could prove costly in a race that demands perfection.

A widening gap at the top

The defeat to Manchester City widened the gap between the two sides to eight points, and Arsenal’s draw with Aston Villa kept them slightly ahead of Liverpool as well. Statistically, the Reds remain in the hunt, but momentum is slipping away. Pundits like Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have questioned whether the team possesses the physical and tactical sharpness to keep up.

City, meanwhile, look relentless. Their squad depth, tactical fluidity, and confidence under Pep Guardiola make them heavy favorites to retain the title. “City are a machine,” Neville said on Sky Sports. “Liverpool have passion, but passion alone won’t close that gap.”

Injuries and inconsistency

One major reason for Liverpool’s struggles has been the recurring injury crisis. Key players such as Mohamed Salah, Alisson Becker, and Andy Robertson have all missed games at crucial points. Without their leadership and experience, the team’s structure suffers. The constant changes in the backline have prevented Liverpool from finding the stability needed to compete with City.

Moreover, the form of several regular starters has fluctuated. Darwin Núñez continues to polarize opinion with his erratic finishing, while Luis Díaz has shown flashes of brilliance without consistent end product. In midfield, new signings have yet to fully settle, leaving gaps between defense and attack.

Can Liverpool still believe?

Despite the challenges, Van Dijk’s confidence has not wavered. “We owe it to ourselves and the fans to fight until the very end,” he declared. His message is clear: Liverpool will not surrender. The captain’s determination could prove crucial in rallying the squad for the months ahead.

For many supporters, Van Dijk’s comments are a reminder of what made this Liverpool era special — defiance in the face of adversity. The fans continue to fill Anfield with unwavering support, and the atmosphere during home games remains among the best in Europe. Whether belief can translate into results, however, remains to be seen.

The path forward

To reignite their title challenge, Liverpool must rediscover their identity — the high-pressing, relentless energy, and collective spirit that defined their peak years. Slot is expected to rotate the squad to manage fatigue and inject new ideas. Tactical adjustments, particularly in midfield transitions, will be key.

Upcoming fixtures against Tottenham, Chelsea, and Arsenal will define their trajectory. A strong run in December could restore momentum, but any further slip-ups could turn Van Dijk’s optimism into wishful thinking.

The pundit debate – optimism vs realism

Football pundits remain divided on whether Liverpool can realistically challenge for the title. Roy Keane was blunt in his assessment: “They look all over the place — defensively weak, inconsistent in attack, and lacking intensity.” In contrast, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes the team’s problems are fixable. “They’re one or two wins away from turning things around,” he said on Monday Night Football.

The debate captures the tension surrounding Liverpool’s current state: is this just a rough patch, or a sign of deeper decline?

Historical perspective

This isn’t the first time Liverpool have faced doubts. In 2018-19, they lost crucial matches midseason but recovered to win the Champions League. Even last year, after a slow start, they finished strongly to secure a Champions League spot. Van Dijk and several veterans have lived through such cycles, which fuels their belief.

However, the modern Premier League is less forgiving. With City and Arsenal maintaining high standards, any extended dip can erase title hopes. The challenge now is sustaining belief while addressing structural flaws.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Did Van Dijk really say the title race isn’t over?
Yes, following the loss to Manchester City, Van Dijk insisted that Liverpool are still in the race and will fight to the end.

2. How far behind are Liverpool in the table?
They currently trail Manchester City by eight points, with more than half the season remaining.

3. What has manager Arne Slot said about the situation?
Slot emphasized that Liverpool must focus on improving performance and results, not on the title standings.

4. Are Liverpool’s problems tactical or mental?
A mix of both — defensive errors, inconsistency in midfield, and a drop in confidence have contributed.

5. Is Van Dijk still performing at his best?
While still influential, his performances have been below his previous elite level, leading to criticism.

6. Can injuries be blamed for Liverpool’s struggles?
Partly. Key absences have disrupted cohesion and limited tactical options.

7. How are fans reacting to Van Dijk’s comments?
Most supporters appreciate his leadership and honesty, though some remain skeptical about a title comeback.

8. What does this mean for City and Arsenal?
It strengthens their positions, as both rivals continue to collect points consistently.

9. Could Liverpool focus on cup competitions instead?
Possibly. If the title becomes unreachable, European and domestic cups could take priority.

10. Is there still hope?
Mathematically, yes — and Van Dijk insists Liverpool will fight “until the final whistle of the season.”

Conclusion

Liverpool’s title ambitions may be hanging by a thread, but Van Dijk’s defiance keeps a spark of belief alive. His words reflect the resilience that has defined this generation of Liverpool players — a refusal to give up even when odds seem stacked against them.

For now, the club must turn emotion into execution. The next few fixtures will determine whether Van Dijk’s optimism becomes a rallying cry or a fading echo of what once was. In football, as he reminds everyone, nothing is over — until it’s truly over.