"We are not going there to defend" - Virgil van Dijk on Villarreal

Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk has provided an insight into how the Reds will approach the Champions League semi-final second leg against Villarreal, which is taking place at the Estadio de la Ceramica on the 3rd of May.

Liverpool defeated Villarreal 2-0 at Anfield last night (first leg).

Despite that being the case, Van Dijk has made it clear that the Reds won't be setting up to purely defend in Spain.

"We are not going there to defend and defend the lead," the Dutchman told the club's official website, as quoted by Anfield Watch's Twitter account.

"We know we have to be very mature there as well, we know it’s going to be tough, probably a little hostile atmosphere, but it’s something we should enjoy as well."

Anfield Watch Verdict

We love Van Dijk's attitude. Settling for a two goal lead could end in tears for Liverpool.

It can be a dangerous game simply looking to defend. If Liverpool were in a defensive mindset and Villarreal managed to score an early goal, the Reds could struggle to shift the momentum back in their favour.

So, we are glad to hear that Liverpool will be looking to bury Villarreal in Spain.

The Reds certainly possess an attack which is capable of doing so. Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Robeto Firmino, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota make up Liverpool's attack.

But, we could not care less if the Reds only scraped through to the Champions League final. At the end of the day, that is Liverpool's main objective.

On another note, Jurgen Klopp's side will face Newcastle United at St James' Park on Saturday. After 33 Premier League games, the Reds are only one-point behind league leaders Manchester City.