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The Liverpool skipper has delivered a blunt assessment of the club's disappointing title defence, admitting the title holders are in a mess and failing head coach Slot while doubting whether all squad members is owning up for the team’s slump.

Van Dijk could not contain his anger after the weekend's 3-0 home defeat by Nottingham Forest, a result that saw the Reds in the bottom half of the top-flight standings with a negative goal difference. Tom Werner was in attendance to witness Liverpool’s sixth defeat in recent outings, their eighth loss in 11 matches across all competitions, and a display that unravelled against a Forest side that began the match in the relegation zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Set-Piece Woes

Van Dijk labeled Liverpool’s start to the second half as “not good enough” and admitted “panic kicked in” as soon as Murillo gave Sean Dyche’s team the lead. The first goal was the ninth concession Liverpool have allowed from dead-ball situations in the Premier League this season.

“We had a great three or four days’ preparation but in a game you are dealing with facts and the truth is we gave away a set piece in the first half and a poor concession at the start of the second half,” stated the defender. “We are certainly 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 crisis because at the moment it is a difficult situation – that’s just a fact.

Captain’s Challenge: Take Responsibility

Van Dijk usually speaks the press after a game as part of his role as Liverpool captain. This time was distinct, however. He spoke was much louder – audible enough that any teammate in the Anfield tunnel could listen in – and he shook with anger while urging the dressing room to react. “You should be angry,” he emphasized. “The key point for me is that each individual has to be accountable.” When questioned whether this is occurring, he replied: “It's unclear. But it's essential. That's crucial I expect the boys to do. It's challenging during tough periods but we must act if we aim to recover of this.”

Summer Signings and Team Problems

The Merseyside club spent almost £450 million to strengthen a title-winning squad in the summer but have gone backwards, with several high-profile signings failing to make an impact so far. Van Dijk insisted that Liverpool’s problems go beyond the new recruits. “It’s tough for all involved,” he said. “My expectation is for each player to be answerable on the field. This is necessary in order to motivate one another, to make each other better. When someone is pressing, you have to follow the press. It’s basic things but they're lacking enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

The Dutchman continued: “This season we don’t have any consistency, we allow excessive scores, we are losing battles and everyone is responsible for it and I trust everyone sees that. It's vital to take responsibility to reverse the situation and it is easy to point fingers but unity is essential. We have been through it together and claimed the title and everyone was part of it, and when you go through a tough time you must remain united and avoid blaming others.

“Show character and face the toughness and persist, again and again because if you want to give up then you are at the wrong place in my view, because this club has been going through many adversity over recent seasons and we’ve always come out of it. But it doesn’t mean it is straightforward, it’s tiring but there is no other way.”

Next Fixtures

The upcoming match in the Premier League is a trip to West Ham next Sunday, after the Champions League fixture of the Dutch side in the European competition. Van Dijk commented: “Wednesday is another game so what am I going to do, go home and cry? No, I'll go home and try to think how we can improve results and hopefully that is what everyone is doing as well.”