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The Liverpool skipper has delivered a scathing evaluation of Liverpool's woeful title defence, confessing the reigning champions are in a mess and letting down manager Arne Slot while questioning whether every player is taking responsibility for the team’s slump.

Van Dijk could not contain his frustration after the weekend's heavy loss at Anfield by Nottingham Forest, a result that saw the Reds in the lower section of the Premier League table with a negative goal difference. The club's chair was present at Anfield to observe Liverpool’s sixth defeat in seven league games, their eighth loss in 11 matches across every tournament, and a performance that unravelled against a opponent that started the day in the drop zone.

Poor Second Half and Set-Piece Woes

The captain labeled Liverpool’s opening after halftime as “unacceptable” and admitted “anxiety set in” as soon as the Forest player gave the visitors 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 build-up to the match but in a game you are dealing with facts and the facts are we conceded a set piece in the first half and a poor concession at the beginning after the break,” said the defender. “We are certainly letting him down, but we’ve disappointed ourselves as well. You look at yourself first and then you help each other, you help each other get out of this mess because at the present time it is a difficult situation – that’s just a fact.

Van Dijk’s Demands: Take Responsibility

The skipper usually speaks the media after a game as part of his role as Liverpool captain. This time was distinct, however. His voice was much louder – so loud that any player in the Anfield tunnel could listen in – and he shook with anger while urging the dressing room to respond. “Anger is justified,” he emphasized. “The main thing for me is that each individual has to be accountable.” When questioned whether that is happening, he replied: “I don’t know. But it's essential. It’s the main thing I want the players to do. It's challenging during difficult times but we must act if we aim to recover of this.”

Squad Investment and Team Problems

Liverpool invested almost £450 million to replenish a title-winning squad in the off-season but have gone backwards, with new arrivals failing to make an impact so far. The captain insisted that Liverpool’s issues go beyond the recent additions. “It's difficult for everyone,” he said. “My expectation is for everyone to be answerable on the pitch. We have to do that in order to motivate one another, to make each other better. When someone is pressing, you must join the press. It’s basic things but they're lacking enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

Van Dijk continued: “In the current term we lack any consistency, we concede far too many goals, we are losing battles and all share the blame for it and I hope this is recognized. We have to take responsibility to reverse the situation and tempting to point fingers but unity is essential. Past successes were collective and won the league and all contributed, and when you go through a tough time you must remain united and not point fingers.

“You have to be a man and face the toughness and persist, again and again because surrendering is not an option then you are at the wrong place in my view, because this club 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.”

Looking Ahead

Next up in the Premier League is a trip to West Ham next weekend, after the midweek visit of the Dutch side in the Champions League. He commented: “Wednesday is another game so how should I respond, dwell on the loss? Certainly not, I’m going to return and try to think how we can improve results and hopefully that is what everyone is doing as well.”