Virgil van Dijk makes feelings clear on possibleRobertson Liverpool exit

Andy Robertson had been in contract negotiations with Liverpool before Tottenham's interest with the Scotland captain seeking regular football ahead of the World Cup

Virgil van Dijk has made it clear he wants Andy Robertson to remain at Liverpool as negotiations continue with Tottenham Hotspur over a possible transfer before the January window slams shut. Robertson had been in talks with Liverpool over fresh terms before Spurs' unexpected approach earlier this week.

The two clubs are now deep in discussions with no verdict reached as yet. The Reds acknowledge and value the distinguished service their vice-captain has provided over the past eight-and-a-half years, and it's thought that the Scotland skipper is eager for consistent first-team action ahead of his nation's first World Cup appearance since 1998 later this year.

Van Dijk revealed he's had conversations with his vice-captain about the speculation and is hopeful the experienced left-back will stay at Anfield for the rest of the season at least, with his contract set to expire in the summer, reports the Liverpool Echo.

"Of course I speak to him," Van Dijk said. "I speak to him every day, he’s my vice-captain. Robbo is a very important member of our team and I want him to stay but whatever happens, let’s see.

"Do I expect him to be here on Wednesday [for the Qarabag game]? That’s not on me, is it? Let’s speak about [my best memories of him] when [a move] happens."

Van Dijk was addressing the media following Liverpool's first defeat in 13 matches - a 3-2 loss at Bournemouth. Amine Adli netted the final goal of the match, following Liverpool's comeback from goals by Evanilson and Alex Jimenez, thanks to a header from the captain and a free-kick by Dominik Szoboszlai.

This defeat could be a significant blow to their hopes of securing a spot in next season's Champions League, and Van Dijk concedes that fatigue was a factor, especially after a 3-0 Champions League victory at Marseille earlier in the week.

Van Dijk said: "What can explain tiredness? What do you think? Last season we did not have many injuries. Look at the last line in the last minutes of the game, that says quite a lot.

"Tiredness, yeah. Listen, they created chances because we were very open at times. If you then don’t make the right decision in possession, you can get counter-attacked.

"I don’t start to worry personally [about the top-four race] But the matter of fact is about what we do in the week. We are trying to find consistency and we still don’t have it, that is something we need to focus on.

"We played Bournemouth who are very intense. When we only have myself and Wata (Wataru Endo) as the last two, if we lose the ball then there is a lot of space. We are having a difficult season in terms of ups and downs but now we have an opportunity on Wednesday to qualify for the top eight of the Champions League. That is our target but today is tough to take.

"It was tough. I'm disappointed. The first goal, I take full responsibility for that even though it was a very difficult ball to judge. In the second half, we tried to do that.

"The second goal, we can all speak and say we should have kicked the ball out, we should have done this. But to concede like that puts ourselves in a position where we have to work even harder than ever.

"It was good that we scored before half-time but we fought so hard in the second half but did not create very big chances. We came in promising positions and eventually scored an equaliser but the throw-in in the end, it is difficult to take.

"First half, up until the first goal, I don’t think there was anything wrong in my feeling. The 1-0 and 2-0 in a very short space of time was a big blow, you have to fight back and be very strong mentally.

"The goal before half time helped, it gave us a big push. Second half we were obviously pushing a lot. We could not create open, big clear-cut chances, they created bigger chances because we were wide open at times trying to score our goal, that is the situation.

"The thing is, that is part and parcel. In the good times, these things happen as well, the other side of it. I am just as involved as everyone else. Today as well, unfortunately.

"I will always take that responsibility. Today is difficult because you lose, in a difficult season already. We have to turn that feeling around as quickly as possible to get the job done on Wednesday. That is the life.

"Last Wednesday we had a lot of praise, team and personal, and everything was all good. Today, the flip side, all the other things will be mentioned because it’s the life we live. We have to take responsibility and I will definitely take responsibility."