‘No complacency’ – Virgil van Dijk promises Liverpool fans no mercy approach to FA Cup clash with Accrington Stanley

Liverpool will approach their FA Cup clash with Accrington Stanley “without complacency”, according to captain Virgil van Dijk.

The Reds are set to compete in their third different competition in a week, following a 2-2 draw against Manchester United in the Premier League and a narrow 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.

Despite their recent struggles, Van Dijk has expressed his excitement about the start of their FA Cup campaign.

He also emphasized the importance of the game, stating in his notes on the matchday’s official schedule: “The FA Cup is an event that means a lot to both the players and the fans.

“I personally have great memories of it. We’ve won it before and we’d like to go as far as we can this season as well.

“In my opinion, one of the great strengths of English football is the quality of the teams at the bottom of the league pyramid.

#EmiratesFACup third round memories 💭 pic.twitter.com/U2lP0cjWIk

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 10, 2025

“The Premier League gets most of the attention, but the standard of football in the Championship, and Leagues 1 and 2, is also very good.

“You see it in the FA Cup, a tournament renowned for its giant-killing stories over the years. Many top teams have fallen against supposedly lesser teams and we need to be fully focused to ensure our name is not added to that list on Saturday.

“I can assure you that this will happen. The mentality of this team is very good and is one of the big reasons we have started so well this season.

“We cannot and will not allow complacency to set in now. Accrington Stanley deserve our full respect, and that’s exactly what they’ll get.

“We’re all looking forward to the game, and I’m sure you are too. It was amazing to see almost 6,000 of you lads down at Tottenham and I know you will support us once again as we attack another competition.”