Virgil van Dijk agrees with Cody Gakpo and it speaks volumes about Liverpool boss Arne Slot

Dutch duo Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo both used the same word in their assessment of Liverpool's 3-1 win over AC Milan in the Champions League - and it speaks volumes about what Arne Slot is aiming for at Anfield.

"The way we were after the first goal was outstanding and of course it was disappointing during the weekend in so many ways, especially the last part of that game - it was very frustrating to be part of," Van Dijk told Amazon Prime post-match.

"We had a chance to put it right and we did. It was a shaky start with the goal we conceded and they capitalized on it but we stayed calm and kept looking for the solution. That was very good to see."

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That more level-headed and patient approach was a theme of the wins over Ipswich Town, Brentford and Manchester United - but Liverpool slipped up with a dismal showing against Nottingham Forest last weekend. The form, particularly in attack, appeared to be back again midweek.

"The new manager has come in and has his ideas but I don't think so many things are different," Van Dijk continued. "I think there are subtle changes in possession and with positioning and we all enjoy that.

"We had an amazing time with Jurgen Klopp and hopefully we can have an amazing time with Arne Slot as well. He inherited a talented and experienced squad but we have to be consistent if we want to achieve things. We all have to step up and we have a tough game on the weekend as well."

In addition to Van Dijk highlighting the need for calmness, Gakpo also used the same word when describing his thoughts on the match. "I think we had some chances but overall we controlled the game pretty good and it's a fair result," Gakpo, who was excellent on the night, said.

"We stayed calm and remained focused and we have to thank our center-backs for [the goals]. Every player wants to play and I really want to show myself. I'm really happy with the assist but especially the win."

Liverpool.com says: Calm. That one word tells you everything you need to know about what Slot is aiming for. Of course, Liverpool will hope not to go behind too often under Slot but it was positive that the Reds showed such a cool response even in the heated atmosphere of the San Siro. Getting three points on the board already in Europe was a big step in the right direction.