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EPL Liverpool play PSG in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg Michael Regan/Getty Images Virgil van Dijk says Liverpool must respond against Paris Saint-Germain after letting their supporters and head coach Arne Slot down in Saturday’s 4-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City. The Netherlands defender said he was “hurting” after Slot’s side capitulated at the Etihad, conceding four goals in the space of 20 minutes either side of the break. Advertisement “We let ourselves down and the manager down, but we also let our fans down today, ” Van Dijk told reporters post-match. “The way we played, especially in the second half, that must hurt for everyone. It definitely hurts me. Mentally, it’s very tough at the moment. Mentally, it has been a very tough season overall. ” Van Dijk said conceding goals either side of half-time was a “killer”, and added:  “The fans were there to support us and I can only apologise to them for what we have shown, especially in the second half. I understand the fans’ frustration. ” It was the worst possible preparation for Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg away to holders Paris Saint-Germain. “I watched them yesterday a bit (PSG beat Toulouse 3-1) and it will be so tough again, ” Van Dijk said. “But we have a responsibility, not only to ourselves but especially to the fans. “If we want to make something out of this season, we have to try and do something special in these games. ” Saturday’s defeat cranked up the pressure on Slot, who has now overseen 15 defeats in all competitions this season. However, Van Dijk insists the players have to look at themselves. “Obviously, he’s responsible as the manager, but we are the ones on the pitch that have to do it, ” he said. “The quality is there. I’ve been lucky enough to play for Liverpool for so many years and the main thing always was the togetherness. “Now, obviously, we are in a little bit of a transition so we have to find it. It’s difficult to then perform every three days if we don’t have it (the togetherness) consistently. ” Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle James Pearce joins the Athletic after 14 years working for the Liverpool Echo. The dad-of-two has spent the past decade covering the fortunes of Liverpool FC across the globe to give fans the inside track on the Reds from the dressing room to the boardroom. Follow James on Twitter @James Pearce LFC