Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk: 'I can handle schedule'

Defender Virgil van Dijk has said that it is an "amazing time" to be a Liverpool player as the club prepare for the second leg of their Champions league quarter-final with Manchester City.

Liverpool head into the game at the Etihad Stadium holding a 3-0 advantage, and the fixture comes just three days after the Merseyside derby which ended in a goalless draw.

Jurgen Klopp rested a number of players for the game at Goodison Park, but Van Dijk played the full 90 minutes and insists that he is capable of handling the hectic schedule.

At a press conference, the 26-year-old told reporters: "Three games in six days is hard for anybody. We were ready for the Everton game as well. Tomorrow we want to win it again and we'll be prepared for whatever comes.

"I can handle it [the schedule]. It's hard and tough. As a football player, you want to play games and compete. Especially during the time right now, playing for the Champions League semi-final, or Merseyside derby. It's an amazing time to be a Liverpool player."

Van Dijk has made 13 appearances for Liverpool since moving to Anfield in January.