Ahead of Liverpool’s return to Europe’s elite club cup competition, Liverpool’s Dutch skipper is delighted and believes their opener against AC Milan gives them the best platform to get their season back on track.

After The Reds settled for life in the UEFA Europa League in the 2023-24 campaign, the former Celtic defender is relishing the opportunity to lead Arne Slot’s side back to the competition against old-time foes, Milan.

Liverpool will hope to put behind them the shocking loss at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday – a performance that van Dijk termed as unacceptable after the loss.

Speaking ahead of the game, the Liverpool skipper couldn’t hide his excitement at Liverpool’s return to the competition.

“It’s so good to be back in Europe because that’s where we deserve to be. We will go out there and play better than we did against Forest last Saturday. It’s the only way to make up for such below-par performance, or else there would be problems. I’m happy about it, and I hope the fans who will travel with us to support will show great spirits and be loud enough with their cheers.” Van Dijk said.

Meanwhile, Saturday’s defeat began the start of a busy run of seven matches in the space of twenty-one days, but the 2019 balloon D’or runner-up expressed confidence that the run will not in any way hinder the progress recorded so far under Arne Slot.

The Dutch manager insisted that his team is full of professionals who understand that the result on Saturday was unacceptable, and that’s why they must do better on Tuesday.

Liverpool lost to Nottingham Forest on Saturday in a 1-0 defeat, the first time Liverpool will lose a Premier League game under Arne Slot.