Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk expressed disappointment over the team's 1-1 Premier League draw with Burnley but urged a swift recovery for their upcoming Champions League match against Marseille. Forward Hugo Ekitiké shared his excitement for the fixture at the Vélodrome, where he has fond memories. The Reds sit ninth in the Champions League league phase, three points ahead of 16th-placed Marseille.
Liverpool's frustrating 1-1 draw at home to Burnley on Saturday highlighted areas for improvement as the team shifts focus to the Champions League. The Reds took the lead through Florian Wirtz's clinical first-half strike, following Dominik Szoboszlai's penalty that hit the crossbar. However, Marcus Edwards equalized for the visitors after the break, and Liverpool failed to find a winner despite dominating much of the game. Captain Virgil van Dijk was candid in his post-match assessment, stating, “You play games to win games and especially at home... So I’m very disappointed at this moment. But the thing is, I can’t, we can’t stay disappointed. We have to turn this around. And the next opportunity is in three days.” He emphasized personal responsibility, adding, “I have that responsibility as well towards our fans... to be in my best shape. So I have to recover, I have to be mentally ready as well.” Van Dijk also pointed to tactical lapses, noting, “I’m frustrated that after 60 minutes we started to become sloppy. I think it’s not the first time, so we have to address that.” The team now prepares for Wednesday's away clash with Marseille under Roberto De Zerbi, a fixture Van Dijk anticipates as “very, very difficult” due to the atmosphere and opposition style. In the Champions League league phase, Liverpool require just one point from their final two matches to secure at least a knockout play-off spot. They currently occupy ninth place, outside the top eight on goal difference alone, but automatic Round of 16 qualification remains possible. Marseille, in 16th with nine points from six games, trail by three points. Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitiké, who began his career at Reims before stints at PSG, expressed enthusiasm for the matchup. Speaking to Canal Plus, he said, “I am excited to play this match (against Marseille). Marseille are a club that I have watched since I was young… I love the Vélodrome.” Ekitiké has played at the stadium twice—scoring in a 1-1 draw for Reims and during PSG's 1-2 Coupe de France loss—adding, “It is a magnificent stadium with crazy supporters. I think I’ll be welcomed well. There is no hate. I have always liked Marseille.” This encounter marks the penultimate league-phase game for both sides, with implications for their progression.
