Virgil van Dijk has urged Liverpool fans to be patient in their Premier League title quest.
Wednesday’s stalemate with Leicester City saw the Reds fail to take full advantage in extending their lead over Manchester City at the summit to seven points.
The Anfield crowd was noticeably anxious during the 1-1 draw as the champions-elect dropped points to a team outside the top six for the first time this season.
But Van Dijk believes that calm heads are required as Jurgen Klopp’s side head into their final 14 games of the campaign still five points clear of City.
Asked if he noticed any anxiety in the home crowd, he replied: “It sounded like it.
“Obviously you get that feeling as well from the crowd and I think it’s not really necessary at the moment.
“But obviously everyone wants to win so bad and that’s what we want as well.
“But sometimes you need to be very patient.”
Liverpool’s record signing also disputed that the desperation for a first title since 1990 will increase the pressure on them during the all-important run-in.
“In the end it’s all about showing on the pitch and we’re not going to be affected by that,” added Van Dijk.
“We want everyone to cheer us on and keep pushing even if we have tough moments, even if we’re 1-0 down or maybe more.
“We just need everyone to pull in the same direction and keep going, that’s the only way forward.”