Virgil van Dijk doesn’t think the nervous feeling around Anfield during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Leicester City on Wednesday was “necessary”.

The Reds weren’t at their best as Sadio Mane’s early goal was cancelled out by Harry Maguire’s equaliser just before half-time.

That point extended Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League as Manchester City were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle United on Tuesday evening.

When asked if Anfield sounded nervous on the night, Van Dijk told The Guardian: “It sounded like it.”

Did it transmit to him? “Not to me,” he replied. “You get that feeling as well from the crowd and I think it’s not really necessary at the moment. But everyone wants to win so bad and that’s what we want as well. But sometimes you need to be very patient.”

It has been 29 years since Liverpool last won the league. When asked if this desperation would hamper their title bid, Van Dijk responded: “I don’t think so. In the end it’s all about showing on the pitch and we’re not going to be affected by that.

“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.”