The Reds were thumped 4-2 by a superior AC Milan on Saturday.
But Van Dijk told liverpoolfc.com afterwards: "Obviously no-one wants to lose a game first and foremost so that’s obviously not a positive. But coming out here, seeing so many fans cheering for us, the hard work that we have been doing each and every day has been incredible (and) obviously that’s what pre-season is for.
"But also what showed today – I think the manager said it as well – is that we have to improve certain elements of our game, and we will. So, there are still plenty of positives. I think you could see also in the first half, especially on the ball, so many good moments (and) we created good chances.
"Rio (Ngumoha) obviously, like you mentioned, I think he had good moments as well. So, we have to keep getting better, keep making the next step, keep getting fitter and fitter. We still have I think two more games, three if you want to say it, to get ready for the Community Shield and we have to work our socks off like I mentioned already last week. So, yeah, we go for it."
Helping new teammates settle
On the impact of Liverpool's new arrivals, Van Dijk says it's important the senior players help them settle in.
He added, "Well, I take a lot of energy in that. It’s obviously very important for any new faces that come into a club like Liverpool to feel welcome, to feel at ease to show their quality immediately.
"Obviously I joined the club and we had a fantastic environment already so I could immediately show what I was capable of and I think that’s what everyone wants. In terms of what I have been seeing so far, it has been great.
"There’s obviously a little time of adaptation and that’s absolutely normal but you could see today as well, all of them showed their quality today and I think there is much more to come as well."