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Virgil van Dijk has issued a scathing evaluation of the club's disappointing title defence, confessing the title holders are in disarray and failing head coach Slot while doubting whether every player is taking responsibility for the team’s slump.

Van Dijk struggled to hold back his frustration after Saturday’s heavy loss at Anfield by Nottingham Forest, a result that saw the Reds in the bottom half of the Premier League table with a deficit in goals. Tom Werner was in attendance to observe Liverpool’s latest loss in seven league games, their eighth loss in 11 matches across all competitions, and a performance that fell apart against a Forest side that began the match in the relegation zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Set-Piece Woes

Van Dijk described Liverpool’s start to the second half as “unacceptable” and admitted “panic kicked in” as soon as the Forest player gave Sean Dyche’s team the lead. The first goal was the ninth concession Liverpool have allowed from dead-ball situations in the current campaign.

“We had a great three or four days’ preparation but in a fixture you are facing facts and the truth is we conceded a free-kick in the opening period and a poor concession at the start of the second half,” stated the defender. “As a team, we're definitely failing the manager, but we’ve let ourselves down as well. Start with self-reflection and then you support teammates, you work together to escape of this mess because at the present time it is a mess – that’s just a fact.

Captain’s Challenge: Take Responsibility

Van Dijk typically addresses the press after a game as part of his role as team leader. Saturday was different, however. His voice was much louder – audible enough that any teammate in the Anfield tunnel could listen in – and he shook with anger while urging the squad to react. “Anger is justified,” he emphasized. “The main thing for me is that everyone has to be accountable.” When questioned whether this is occurring, he answered: “It's unclear. But it's essential. It’s the main thing I want the players to do. It’s not easy during tough periods but we have to do it if we aim to recover of this.”

Squad Investment and Team Problems

The Merseyside club invested almost £450m to replenish a title-winning squad in the off-season but have regressed, with new arrivals struggling to contribute so far. Van Dijk insisted that Liverpool’s issues go beyond the recent additions. “It’s tough for all involved,” he said. “What I want is for everyone to take responsibility on the pitch. We have to do that in order to motivate one another, to improve collectively. When someone is pressing, you have to follow the press. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Call for Unity

The Dutchman continued: “In the current term we don’t have any steady form, we allow far too many goals, we are losing battles and everyone is responsible for it and I hope this is recognized. It's vital to take responsibility to reverse the situation and tempting to point fingers but you have to do it together. Past successes were collective and won the league and everyone was part of it, and during a tough time you have to stick together and not point fingers.

“Show character and confront the hardship and persist, again and again because surrendering is not an option then you are in the wrong environment in my eyes, because Liverpool has been enduring many adversity over recent seasons and we’ve consistently emerged of it. However, that doesn't imply it is straightforward, it’s tiring but there is only one path forward.”

Next Fixtures

The upcoming match in the domestic league is a visit to London Stadium next Sunday, after the midweek visit of the Dutch side in the Champions League. Van Dijk commented: “Wednesday is another opportunity so how should I respond, go home and cry? No, I'll return and try to think how we can turn this around and I trust that is the collective focus as well.”