Virgil van Dijk insists he has no problem with Roy Keane's comments after the Liverpool captain was accused of "arrogance" after Sunday's goalless draw with Manchester United.
The Reds skipper says he stands by his post-match assertion that only one team wanted to win the Anfield stalemate
Van Dijk doubled down on his belief that Liverpool were the side trying to force the issue in a game that saw them have 34 shots.
The 34 shots was the most they have had on goal in a game without scoring since such statistics started being recorded 20 years ago
Van Dijk
“I like Roy Keane, if he said that then it's fine,"
"He is Man United through and through and I understand he could react like that but I felt what I said and there is absolutely no arrogance in that.
"Everyone who watched the game probably felt the same [as me]. What do you guys (the press) all think? We move on. We had the opportunity and we couldn't score and that's the frustrating part.
“Was I surprised by United's approach? No. Obviously they are not in the best situation and if you come here after you have lost last year with a big number (7-0) you are going to be more than happy with a point.
"Everyone could see that. You could see what their game plan was and what we tried to do and I felt what I said was right and we move on.
"I think we did everything to try to win the game. Maybe trying to force it a little bit at times and we could have made a better decision but it was hard to break the low block down and unfortunately we didn't win
“You push, you push, you push and try to do everything in your power but today was one of those days we couldn't find the right decision to score a goal.
"We move on and have to learn from a lot of moments - and we will - and focus on Wednesday.
"You do overlaps, you try to cross the ball and at times – I won't say every time – we forced it too much and find a solution which wasn't there but that's football.
"It didn't work out the way we wanted but had opportunities and unfortunately couldn't score.
“If we learn from today I'd be fine with it. We've had many games already this season where we have played against low blocks and done well so we have to learn from it and keep going."
Van Dijk added:
“We don't look at the table. You look at the table. We are in December and it's the toughest period but we face West Ham and in three days' time here we need our fans even more and have to be ready and full of energy and be in the semi-final.
“We need everyone for that (West Ham) because today was demanding for everyone and I'm looking forward to being out there again, under the floodlights with the fans behind us. Let's go for it.
"It's the first trophy that could be in reach and it will be a very tough game as West Ham are also in a good moment with good players so I will give everything to be ready for that like I always do.
“I love it [the new-look Anfield] We need them.
"We need them even more Wednesday because it is three days after a demanding game and everyone is a little fatigued and we need that energy from the crowd to push us forward from the very first minute to the very last and hopefully we can progress.”
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