'First of all': Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson give verdict on Carabao Cup final as Reds silence is broken
Yesterday at 08:00 AM
Liverpool are licking their wounds on Monday morning after succumbing to a surprise defeat in the Carabao Cup final.
The Reds had travelled to Wembley as favourites but were undone by a hard-working Newcastle team.
Five days on from a heart-breaking penalty shootout defeat to PSG in the Champions League, the Liverpool squad had to face another punishing result.
Having done so well for so much of the season, the Liverpool players should not be too downhearted. But this one certainly stings.
Supporters have had to wait to hear from members of the playing staff. There were none of the usual post-match interviews in the immediate aftermath of Sunday’s loss.
But having had the night to gather their thoughts, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson have now sent out defiant messages.
Liverpool players focused on ending season strongly
Had Liverpool only had the Carabao Cup left to fight for, then Sunday’s defeat would have been an enormous blow.
As it is, the Reds know they still have the Premier League title well within their grasp. This can still be a sensational season.
Both Van Dijk and Robertson know that, with the captain taking to Instagram to relay his thoughts on Sunday’s painful match.
“First of all congratulations to everyone at Newcastle United,” said the ever classy Van Dijk.
“It's been a difficult and disappointing week for us, and it's very hard for me to put it in to words right now. Only thing I can say is that we want to bounce back, and we will! See you after the international break.”
“We have had a lot of good days this season but yesterday was certainly not one of them!” Robertson posted on his own account.
“Second best but we will take the knock and look to come back stronger. Best way to do that is everyone sticking TOGETHER. Still so much to play for, see you after the break.”
Have any other Liverpool players reacted?
Below each of Van Dijk and Robertson’s post, there was single heart emoji left from Jordan Henderson. As a former Liverpool captain and Sunderland lad, Henderson will not have enjoyed Sunday any more than his old teammates.
Beyond this more senior pair, Diogo Jota was the first Liverpool player to react, sending out a message on Sunday evening.
“Not good enough today !” he said. “A very disappointing week for everyone that supports Liverpool. We will be back soon to fight for the league.”
Caoimhin Kelleher spoke to liverpoolfc.com to congratulate Newcastle after what is likely his final game for the club, but otherwise, most of the Liverpool squad have kept their silence.
As they head off to join up with their national teams, it’ll be a while before they’re able to get his out of their systems and hopefully tie up the league title.
