Virgil van Dijk believes Liverpool have shown their desire to salvage a difficult season - and the difference the Anfield crowd can make to their hopes of Champions League glory.
The Reds romped to a 4-0 triumph at home to Galatasaray on Wednesday to overturn a round of 16 first leg deficit and set up a quarter-final clash with holders Paris Saint-Germain next month.
Arne Slot's side went into the game on the back of a dismal Premier League draw against Tottenham Hotspur three days earlier that saw them booed off by the Anfield crowd.
This time, though, with Galatasaray supporters banned, the home fans produced a raucous atmosphere reminiscent of previous memorable European nights to ensure Liverpool remain in the hunt to be crowned European champions for a seventh time.
“There was a lot at stake, that was pretty obvious, so we had to show how much we wanted it together with our fans, who played a big part," said Van Dijk.
"I played last week in Istanbul and saw how big an impact their fans had on their performance and it was clear to see our fans played a big part in our performance. We could have scored more goals but their goalkeeper still had a very good game in my opinion.
"It’s a combination of performance and the fans, they play a big part in that. The fans can probably say if we bring that every week on the pitch then there is no issue and we can say if the fans bring that every three or four days then there is no issue either. It is about doing it together.
"This season as players we take full responsibility for a lot of performances when we have not been good enough. But for me there is no point to speak about it right now after we qualified for the last eight because that is still a very good thing."
Van Dijk, though, bristled at suggestions the Liverpool team have lost their connection with supporters after a disappointing campaign in defence of their dominant Premier League title triumph.
“That is a bit of a question I don’t like, I don’t like that tone to be honest.," he said. "In all these years at Liverpool I’ve never ever questioned them (the fans) and I still don’t.
"There is a reason why there is frustration this season because we had an amazing season last year; we became champions, we had consistent, good football, finding ways to win, and this season we have had so many ups and downs dealing with difficult moments and there has been frustration because we want to perform every three or four days as well."
Van Dijk is adamant Liverpool have shown glimpses of the quality shown against Galatasaray this season but admits the issue has been the lack of consistency and struggle to back up such performances.
The Reds have won only four of nine previous Premier League games immediately after a Champions League match this campaign and face a quick turnaround when they travel to Brighton on Saturday for the early kick-off.
"I think occasionally we have been showing and playing good games but not consistently and on a regular basis and it’s been frustrating for all of us and for the fans as well," said the Liverpool skipper. "But the only thing we can do is keep going, try to improve and every time you are out there represent the badge in the best way possible.
“It was a good night. We have been having good performances this season and we haven’t been able to build on it the next time.
"It is very hard but that’s the hardest thing in life, doing it each and every three or four days. If you do that you become successful, there’s a big chance you become successful. That’s what you strive for, that’s what we had last year, and that’s what we try to reach.
"But you need multiple factors to go your way and now don’t get carried away. This was a demanding game physically and mentally and it is down to us to do all the right things to be ready for an early kick-off at Brighton because Brighton away is always difficult. We have to be ready but everyone is needed in that sense."
Salah missed a penalty in first-half injury time but responded by assisting the second goal for Ekitike before netting the fourth which made him the first African to reach a half-century in the Champions League.
The Egyptian has suffered an underwhelming campaign by his own standards and had been restored to the starting line-up having been benched against Tottenham at the weekend.
And Van Dijk said: "I’m pleased for Mo but I’m pleased for the whole team first and foremost. It’s not about an individual, it’s not about one or two players, we go through the same things all of us each and every day, difficult moments especially this season, good moments, and we have to deal with everything together because we need each other.
"He played a good performance in the first half but missed a penalty unfortunately, which is part of the game and some people might judge him differently. But second half he kept his calm, an assist and a goal, but the rest of the guys played outstanding and I was pleased for everyone."
