Liverpool lost 2-3 to Brentford in the 9th round of the 2025/26 Premier League season, thanks to goals from Kerkez Miloš and Salah. Liverpool defender Van Dijk said he and his teammates must adjust their mentality as soon as possible and prepare for the next difficult game.

In the 5th minute of the match, Christopher Ayeh headed the ball to Dango Ouattara, who shot directly from the ditch to help Brentford get a dream start with a score of 1 to 0. In the 45th minute, Damsgaard assisted Kevin Shad to score, helping Brentford continue to lead Liverpool 2-0.

In the first half stoppage time, Connor Bradley made a cross from the right, Ekitik dealt with the defensive pass, and then Kelkez Miloš scored with a low shot, helping Liverpool to equalize the score 1-2.

In the 58th minute of the second half, Dango Ouattara was tackled by Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk while dribbling, prompting a penalty kick to be awarded to Brentford. Igor Thiago converted the penalty kick, extending Brentford's lead to 3-1. In the 89th minute, Soboslai secured possession and crossed into the penalty area, where Salah volleyed home, making it 2-3 for Liverpool.

In the end, Liverpool lost to Brentford 2-3 away. After suffering four consecutive defeats, Liverpool has dropped to 7th place in the standings with 15 points, and will face more challenges in their pursuit of the title defense.

Liverpool captain Van Dijk said in an interview, "It's very disappointing to concede a goal here. We are very aware of their strengths and what they want to show. The first goal was something we had expected a long time ago, so we had to defend extremely well in that situation, which is their specialty. The second goal was not ideal either, and then there was the penalty."

"It's a very disappointing day for us overall. It's hard to accept but it's the reality and we have to move on."

I believe Liverpool will recover from the trough

In addition, Liverpool will face Crystal Palace at Anfield in the next round of the English League Cup. It is worth mentioning that Liverpool has only achieved 1 win, 1 draw and 3 losses in the past 5 games against Crystal Palace. However, Slaughter's team can only have a chance to win the trophy this season if they continue to advance.

Van Dijk said, "We lost the game, this is the only fact. We will face the next game, and the opponent has caused us trouble this season. We must adjust our mentality as soon as possible and prepare for this game because they will come to Anfield and try to make it more difficult for us."

"It was a tough defeat, we can't deny that. It hasn't been easy lately. We had hoped to build on our performance in Frankfurt but unfortunately it wasn't a happy day."

Regarding Liverpool's long period of not keeping a clean sheet, Van Dijk said, "We haven't kept a clean sheet in nine games. It's easy to blame someone, the defense or the set-piece defense, but in the final analysis, this is a problem for the whole team. Everyone must reflect on themselves, including myself. I believe we will get out of the predicament, but we can't do it by talking alone."

"We need each other's support and we also need those who cheered for us last season to support us even more. As long as we do this, I believe we will be able to get out of the trough."