“Whatever the outside world thinks of us, we don’t really care” - Van Dijk sends strong message after Liverpool beat Crystal Palace

Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk has sent a strong message following the Reds' hard-fought 1-0 win against Crystal Palace on Saturday, October 5. Diogo Jota scored the only goal of the game in the ninth minute to ensure his side remain at the top of the table after gameweek seven.

Arne Slot's side were in complete command of the game in the first half but could not add to their lead. Crystal Palace improved significantly in the second half but failed to get on the scoresheet.

Virgil van Dijk was decisive for the Reds at the heart of their defense as the Merseyside giants kept their fifth Premier League clean sheet of the season in seven games. The Dutchman, however, insisted that he and his teammates do not care what the others think of their performance.

The former Celtic and Southampton star insisted that Liverpool are looking to compete till the final day of the season and achieve success. He also highlighted that the players are aware of the challenging set of fixtures awaiting them after the international break. Van Dijk said, as quoted by Eurosport:

"Listen, I think there are always expectations towards different teams. Whatever the outside world thinks of us, we do not really care. We want to improve, we want to challenge, we want to compete to the final day and win and be successful."

The 33-year-old added:

"That is what we are focusing on, not on what other people's expectations will be. We have got a lot of points up until now, but we want to have a lot more, and we know how tough the fixture list will be after the international break."

Van Dijk concluded:

"Why not enjoy it? So I am really looking forward to that and hopefully everyone involved in Liverpool will be as well."

Arne Slot has enjoyed a fantastic start to his reign at Merseyside after being tasked to replace an almost irreplaceable Jurgen Klopp. With nine wins in his first ten games in charge, the Dutchman has created history at the club.

Liverpool, however, will have a difficult set of fixtures to deal with after the international break. They will take on Chelsea, RB Leipzig and Arsenal before a double-header against Brighton, followed by games against Bayer Leverkusen and Aston Villa.

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Arne Slot offers a worrying update on star following Liverpool's victory against Crystal Palace

Liverpool manager Arne Slot gave Reds' fans a reason to be worried following his side's 1-0 win against Crystal Palace. The Dutchman claimed that Alisson Becker is unlikely to feature for the Reds in their home game against Chelsea after the international break.

The Brazil international had to be subbed off in the 79th minute with a suspected hamstring injury. With their number two Caoimhin Kelleher out with illness, Slot had to sub on Vitezslav Jaros for his debut for the club. While discussing Alisson's injury, Slot said, as quoted by Inside Futbol:

“It’s disappointing for him. But also for us that he’s injured. I don’t think that he will be able to play the Chelsea game, but hopefully soon after he will be back with us.”

Alisson has been one of the best goalkeepers in the world since his reported £71.6 million move to Anfield in 2018. The Brazil international has featured 270 times for Liverpool till date, keeping 118 clean sheets and helping the club win five trophies.