Champions League

[monks data]

Attendance: 53,461

Champions League | Quarter-Finals

Apr 10, 2018 at 7.45pm UK

Man City Manchester City
1-2
Liverpool

Jesus (2')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Salah (56'), Firmino (77')

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk: 'I can handle schedule'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 09 April 2018

Defender Virgil van Dijk says that he is able to handle Liverpool's recent schedule, with the Merseyside giants being forced to play three matches in the space of a week.

Defender Virgil van Dijk has said that it is an "amazing time" to be a Liverpool player as the club prepare for the second leg of their Champions league quarter-final with Manchester City.

Liverpool head into the game at the Etihad Stadium holding a 3-0 advantage, and the fixture comes just three days after the Merseyside derby which ended in a goalless draw.

Jurgen Klopp rested a number of players for the game at Goodison Park, but Van Dijk played the full 90 minutes and insists that he is capable of handling the hectic schedule.

At a press conference, the 26-year-old told reporters: "Three games in six days is hard for anybody. We were ready for the Everton game as well. Tomorrow we want to win it again and we'll be prepared for whatever comes.

"I can handle it [the schedule]. It's hard and tough. As a football player, you want to play games and compete. Especially during the time right now, playing for the Champions League semi-final, or Merseyside derby. It's an amazing time to be a Liverpool player."

Van Dijk has made 13 appearances for Liverpool since moving to Anfield in January.