Why Titans first-round pick Keldric Faulk's mom was brought to tears at NFL draft
Keldric Faulk's mom brought to tears as he is drafted by the Titans
Virgil van Dijk emphasizes the need for results as Liverpool prepares to face Crystal Palace. The captain insists there are 'no excuses' in their push for a Champions League spot.
Mentioned in this story
âNo excusesâ â Virgil van Dijk previews Liverpoolâs clash with Crystal Palace
As the Premier League season edges towards its conclusion, Liverpool find themselves in a position that demands clarity, urgency and, above all, results. For captain Virgil van Dijk, there is no room for ambiguity ahead of the visit of Crystal Palace.
Liverpoolâs campaign has not followed the script many expected, yet the equation is now straightforward. Secure a top five finish and salvage the season with Champions League qualification. Fail to do so and the sense of underachievement deepens.
Van Dijk addressed the situation directly in his programme notes, stating:
âThis has not been the season we all wanted or envisaged, but the aim now is to make sure that we end it in a positive manner. And that means Champions League qualification. Nothing else will do.â
That message reflects a shift in mindset. Early ambitions have been replaced by a pragmatic target, one that still carries significant weight for a club of Liverpoolâs stature.
Photo: IMAGO
Virgil van Dijk stated there are 'no excuses' as Liverpool prepares for the crucial match against Crystal Palace.
The match is crucial for Liverpool as they aim to secure a Champions League spot as the Premier League season nears its end.
Liverpool is currently in a position that requires urgency and results to maintain their Champions League aspirations.
Liverpool needs a win against Crystal Palace to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the Champions League.
Keldric Faulk's mom brought to tears as he is drafted by the Titans
Saints and Giants in talks for former top-5 pick Kayvon Thibodeaux
Follow live updates for Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft!
Vitor Pereira insists Nottingham Forest needs more points despite a 5-0 victory over Sunderland. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus in their final four matches.
Kayvon Thibodeaux trade rumors: Saints among suitors, deal possible soon
Tigers' AJ Hinch discusses Gleyber Torres' sluggish start this season.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
Facing Crystal Palace is rarely straightforward, and Van Dijk was quick to underline the threat they pose. Their structure, discipline and individual quality have consistently made them awkward opponents.
âWe welcome Crystal Palace to Anfield knowing that victory would put us in a strong position to secure that top-five place, and there can be no excuses from any of us.â
Liverpoolâs recent 2-1 win over Everton, sealed dramatically by Van Dijk deep into stoppage time, has injected belief. Yet momentum alone will not suffice. Palace demand precision, patience and intensity.
âThey have shown across a number of years that they are a very difficult team to play against. They have good individuals and a specific way of playing, and we will need to be at our best if we are to get the result we want.â
The Merseyside derby victory carried emotional and competitive significance. Late winners tend to galvanise squads, and this one felt particularly timely.
âI hope you all enjoyed last weekendâs win over Everton. There is no better feeling than winning a Merseyside derby, and especially away from home and in the manner that we did, scoring so late. It felt good and it felt important.â
Still, Liverpoolâs position leaves little margin for slip ups. With rivals circling in the race for European spots, every fixture now carries added pressure.
Van Dijk also pointed to collective responsibility within the squad, highlighting the importance of readiness across all players.
âI have said many times previously that every single player has to be ready to deliver, every single day, and I want to give a special mention here to Freddie Woodman, who epitomised that mentality at Everton.â
That mentality, he insists, must define the final stretch.
âWe have five games left this season, and five tough games too. Four of them are against teams who are fighting with us for European spots, but todayâs game against Palace will be just as challenging.â
There is no attempt to disguise the disappointment of the campaign so far.
âLike I said, we are very disappointed as a whole for the season that weâre having. With the quality we have, we know that it has been below the standards we expect from ourselves.â
Yet the closing message is clear, focused and immediate.
âFive games left. Letâs make the most of them, starting on Saturday.â
For Liverpool, the path is defined. Deliver now, or face the consequences later.