For a side about to write history with their first title triumph in 30 years, there is an eerie sense that Liverpool ’s season is over.
Yet despite two crushing cup defeats in the space of a week, for Virgil van Dijk the concept of ‘nothing more’ to play for is ridiculous.
The Reds have waited three decades to be crowned champions of England.
So even if a maximum of two wins are required to confirm the title, those two games – and particularly the visit to Everton on Monday, which could yet be the title decider – are still huge.
“If you don’t see that, you have a problem,” said Van Dijk. “Of course there are things we want to improve. We would have wanted to be still in all competitions. But if you’re 25 points ahead of the opposition, you can’t say it has been a bad season.
“So let’s go out there (at Goodison) and enjoy it and don’t forget why we are 25 points clear at the top.
“It is another huge game, everybody has to be ready for another intense game. And we will be ready. Everyone wants to play those kind of games.”
It could turn out to be an historic game because, if Manchester City lose at home to Burnley tomorrow, then that 30-year wait for the title will ride on the short journey across Stanley Park.
When asked about that prospect recently, Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti said: “Why Goodison Park – there are a lot of other stadiums where they could win it.” But Van Dijk knows what is at stake whether it comes at Goodison, Anfield or anywhere else in England.
“People only judge you on the last match you played and then conclude it must be a bad season if you lose some games,” he said. “But we’re talking about six points (to win the title). We’ll be playing Everton away, a very tough match, and Crystal Palace at home, always tricky, and then City. And an international break in between. Anything can happen. But we should stay very confident.
“We need to get a good result at Goodison but that is going to be very tough. They are not in the best moment either so we will try everything to get a result, but we know how difficult it will be. That has to be our focus. Forget about everything else, we need to be ready for this kind of intense contest.”
