Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp faces a depleted squad and a challenging Champions League clash against Ajax in Amsterdam on Wednesday evening, with defender Virgil van Dijk urging his teammates to reverse their dismal away form and protect the club’s reputation.
Ajax and Liverpool head into Wednesday’s European fixture under distinct pressures, both attempting to steady their campaigns amid shifting circumstances. While Liverpool chase a knockout-stage qualification that would secure progression with a game to spare, they must contend with significant roster challenges and a troubling run of away matches.
Reversing Dismal Away Form and Defending a Proud European Status
Liverpool’s campaign has hit turbulence on the road, where the squad has suffered four defeats across seven away trips in all competitions. The latest setback came via a 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, following an earlier 4-1 thrashing by Napoli in Italy on matchday one. Despite these hurdles, avoided defeat in Amsterdam guarantees a Champions League knockout phase berth. Virgil van Dijk emphasized the urgency of improving the away results and reclaiming the authority that propelled the club to the cusp of a quadruple just six months prior.
Virgil van Dijk stated that it was not something that they liked, adding that it was something they wanted to improve as a group. He mentioned that they would try and show the intensity that they always wanted to show, and noted that every game they played, whether it was away or at home, was always a difficult task and a different ask.
Van Dijk noted that playing against deeply defending sides like Forest requires patience, but maintaining confidence remains essential as the squad prepares for a hostile European environment. We want to show that we are Liverpool, one of the biggest teams and clubs in the world, and Van Dijk insists that the players must match the intensity of their opponents and then do even more.
Ajax in Transition and the Johan Cruyff Arena Challenge
Ajax enters the fixture experiencing its own period of transition after the departure of Erik ten Hag and several key players, now under the guidance of manager Alfred Schreuder. Despite losing their last three European matches, the Dutch side retains a formidable European pedigree and historical philosophy.
History favors the English visitors, given that Liverpool has not lost in the Netherlands since a legendary Johan Cruyff inspired Ajax to a 5-1 victory in December 1966. Yet, the physical conditions in Amsterdam have introduced an unexpected variable. A dance music event staged at the venue on Saturday left the playing surface damaged, requiring overnight maintenance to reach a playable standard.
I was not one of those people dancing on it! I had a look at the pitch. I think people are working hard on it, so it’ll be perfect.
Remko Pasveer, Ajax keeper
Ajax will give everything they have to take things to the final group game in front of a capacity 56,000 crowd.
Injury Strains and Squad Management
Jurgen Klopp faces a difficult task balancing his lineup amid a wave of injuries that has left the squad stretched thin. Although some players have resumed training, their return does not equate to countless options for the manager, who continues to manage a revolving door of physical concerns where a game is played and a couple of players are out afterwards.
Jurgen Klopp stated that he was really looking forward to it, noting that it was the Champions League and Ajax, with big names and big games, and that it was all good. He added that they had enough players there and would give it a proper try.
Liverpool will travel without midfielder Thiago Alcantara, with the midfielder set to be missing again. Klopp acknowledged that the squad size is not too small, it’s just that there are too many injuries. The probable Liverpool 4-2-3-1 lineup features Alisson in goal; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, and Robertson across the back; Fabinho and Henderson in the middle; and Carvalho, Firmino, Nunez, and Salah leading the attacking efforts.
Upcoming Fixtures and Qualification Scenarios
Beyond Wednesday’s crucial European fixture, the broader managerial landscape is shifting toward future international cycles. Looking ahead to the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League, the Netherlands is scheduled to meet arch-rivals Germany in Amsterdam on September 24.
