Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk is not taking anything for granted.
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk says he disagrees with claims the Reds are in for an easy task against Porto in the Champions League.
Van Dijk’s Liverpool beat Porto comfortably in the Champions League knockout rounds last season, winning 5-0 in Portugal.
The Champions League draw saw the Reds avoid all three Premier League sides along with Barcelona and Juventus.
Van Dijk insists Liverpool will not have it easy, despite hearing suggestions they will.
The Dutchman told The Mirror: “The experience Liverpool had in getting to the Champions League Final last year will help, but it doesn’t guarantee anything this season.
“People are saying that Porto is the easiest draw ever – but they are a very difficult team to play against. They are not in the quarter-finals for no reason, and we have to be ready for them.”
Van Dijk’s assessment is the right approach, but he has to believe it.
It is one thing voicing his comments, but he and the rest of the squad have to believe they are in for a battle, and not just pay lip service to Porto in the media.
Complacency is Liverpool’s biggest threat. Porto beat Roma in the last round, who reached the semi-finals last season. The Reds can’t afford to under estimate them.
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