Virgil van Dijk has spoken about the struggles his Liverpool side faced beginning the new season as they continue to mourn the loss of Diogo Jota.

Liverpool paid tribute to Jota at AnfieldReds beat Bournemouth 4-2Effects may be felt as season continuesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Speaking to Liverpool's club website, captain Van Dijk said that the club are continuing to grieve their former team-mate and that what is going on behind the scenes should not be "underestimated". Ahead of Friday's 4-2 opening victory over Bournemouth, Anfield paid tribute to Jota and his "He wears the number 20" chant continued to be sung by the fans well beyond the final whistle, leaving Mohamed Salah visibly moved.

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Van Dijk's words speak a truth that many fans often forget, in that footballers are human and grieve the losses of family and friends in just the same way as everyone else. Liverpool took to the field with poise and purpose to seal victory on a day which was very much dedicated to Diogo.

WHAT VAN DIJK SAID

Van Dijk said: "I think nobody should underestimate what's going on. We are there for each other with the players, with the staff – but we need all of our fans as well in order to get us through everything. Let's give it everything and give it a go and enjoy the ride as well, because we are very privileged and blessed, like we all know.

"We start with a win, a lot of good things, good moments with and without the ball. Unfortunately, we conceded two goals on the break where we should have done better overall. But under the circumstances, an emotional night for all of us, first game of the season against a team that will never give up, well known for it, in my opinion, with a great manager, we managed to get the three points."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

Liverpool travel to Newcastle United before hosting Arsenal in a tough end to August. With tributes to Jota set to continue, the Reds will hope to do his honour justice as they aim to fight on all fronts this season.