Liverpool's Dutch defender #04 Virgil van Dijk controls the ball during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Burnley at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on January 17, 2026. AFP
Liverpool were held 1-1 by relegation-threatened Burnley on Saturday, extending their winless league run to four matches. Dominik Szoboszlai missed a first-half penalty before Florian Wirtz’s opener was cancelled out by Marcus Edwards’ equalizer with Burnley’s only shot on target.
Reacting to the audible jeers at full time, Van Dijk said the team needed backing as it looks to arrest its slide in form.
“I don’t like boos from my own fans,” the Dutch defender said. “We need support to get through this period.”
With Liverpool’s attack set to be reinforced in the coming days, Van Dijk pointed to Salah’s imminent return following Egypt’s exit from AFCON as a potential turning point.
“Everyone shouldlook forward to that,” he said. “Let’s see when he is back and hopefully he can help us. Obviously with his quality he can win games and have good results. Mo is a very important member of our squad on and off the pitch but we'd be happy when he's back.”
Salah is expected back on Merseyside after Egypt lost to Nigeria in the third-place play-off in Casablanca, decided by penalties following a goalless draw. Nigeria won the shootout 4-2, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saving spot-kicks from Salah and Omar Marmoush.
Despite dominating Burnley—registering 11 shots on target to the visitors’ one—Liverpool failed to convert control into victory. Wirtz scored in the 42nd minute, but Edwards levelled in the 65th to secure a point for the visitors.
Liverpool now shift focus to the Champions League, travelling to Marseille on Wednesday with qualification momentum at stake.
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