But he recognised Reds were again caused problems by a “good” Seagulls side who created plenty of chances. He said things could have been worse for his side as they emerged with a 3-3 draw. Two Van Dijk headers from set-pieces gave the Reds their narrow win over Albion at Anfield three years ago. Since then, the Seagulls have won one and drawn two in front of the Kop. They continued that fine record under the guidance of new boss Roberto De Zerbi. Van Dijk was given a torrid time at the back as Liverpool conceded three at home in the league for the first time since losing 4-1 to Manchester City in February, 2021.
Virgil Van Dijk said: “We tried to find out really what they were doing because obviously it was a new manager, so we had no idea really what to expect. But they started fast, scoring two goals quickly. In the end we fight back, 3-2 and then you have to make sure you take it over the line because they were good today. They created chances, made it very difficult for us, and we concede.”
Van Dijk spoke about the problems Albion caused from a Liverpool perspective.
Virgil Van Dijk said: “A lot of runners in behind, not much pressure on the ball, things we have to do much better. We say we all do it together, we attack together and we did that obviously very well against Ajax, and we did that well in a couple of moments, but Brighton are a very good side. I think if you look at the results we have had against them over the years, a lot of them were close, it was always difficult. But today definitely it was they were in a good moment and made it very difficult for us, and also could have actually gone worse.”
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said his side could have won but did not deserve to.
Jurgen Klopp said: “I cannot say I was 100% convinced that we would not concede a goal when we were 3-2 up. We should defend all three goals better, no doubt about that, but in different areas, not just in the last moment. The 3-3 feels like a defeat even though it is not, and we have to fight through this.”
It was almost a dream debut for new Seagulls boss De Zerbi,
De Zerbi said: “I am very happy for the game. Very proud. We played a very good game. We had the possibility to score more.”
