Liverpool urged by Virgil Van Dijk to bounce back after 'unacceptable' defeat to Nottingham Forest in Premier League.

Virgil van Dijk has called on Liverpool to bounce back from their disappointing defeat against Nottingham Forest, labeling their performance as "unacceptable." The Reds are now shifting their focus to the start of their Champions League campaign, with a tough away fixture against AC Milan looming on Tuesday. Despite a strong start under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool suffered a setback with their unexpected 1-0 loss to Forest at Anfield over the weekend. Van Dijk and his teammates are determined to put that result behind them and make a statement in Europe.

Liverpool captain Van Dijk wants the defeat to serve as fuel to beat Milan and quickly get their campaign back on track. "We have a very good group that really understand that it was unacceptable and are disappointed," the Dutch centre-back said. "We all know everyone can do better and we have to show that on Tuesday and that is what we focus on."

"We have been through losses and difficult moments together and I think we have to stay calm and we will stay calm. "Hopefully, if there are no injuries happening, then rhythm is always a good thing. "We need the whole squad and we know after the international break it will be a game every three days so we need everyone in their best shape and best form."

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Liverpool had looked impressive in their wins against Ipswich, Brentford and Manchester United. They managed to avoid conceding a goal in any of those games, before Forest forward Callum Hudson-Odoi finally breached Van Dijk's defence at the weekend.

Asked what they had to do to prevent the defeat impacting their early-season momentum, Van Dijk said: "Keep going and keep working and make sure the performances don't go in that direction.

"We all know how the atmosphere can change but that is also part of the influence from outside which could affect you. "I can't wait to be out there hearing the Champions League tune and leading out the boys. "A club like Liverpool needs to be in the Champions League and we are finally back, so let's go out there and put in a much better performance as it is needed; otherwise, you are going to have an issue."

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