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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 failing manager Arne Slot while questioning whether all squad members is taking responsibility for the current downturn.

The Dutch defender struggled to hold back his frustration after Saturday’s heavy loss at Anfield by Nottingham Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the bottom half of the top-flight standings with a negative goal difference. Tom Werner was present at Anfield to witness Liverpool’s latest loss in recent outings, their eighth loss in 11 matches across all competitions, and a performance that fell apart against a Forest side that started the day in the relegation zone.

Poor Second Half and Set-Piece Woes

Van Dijk labeled Liverpool’s opening after halftime as “unacceptable” and admitted “panic kicked in” as soon as the Forest player gave the visitors the lead. The first goal was the ninth goal Liverpool have conceded from a set piece in the Premier League this season.

“We had a great three or four days’ preparation but in a game you are dealing with reality and the truth is we gave away a free-kick in the opening period and a terrible goal at the beginning after the break,” said the defender. “We are definitely letting him down, but we’ve disappointed ourselves as well. Start with self-reflection and then you help each other, you help each other get out of this crisis because at the moment it is a difficult situation – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Take Responsibility

The skipper usually speaks the media after a game as part of his duties as Liverpool captain. This time was distinct, however. He spoke was more forceful – audible enough that any teammate in the stadium corridors could hear him – and he shook with anger while urging the squad to react. “Anger is justified,” he emphasized. “The key point for me is that everyone has to be accountable.” Asked whether this is occurring, he answered: “I don’t know. But it's essential. It’s the main thing I want the players 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 £450m to replenish a title-winning squad in the off-season but have regressed, with new arrivals struggling to contribute so far. The captain insisted that Liverpool’s problems go beyond the new recruits. “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 push each other, to improve collectively. When someone is pressing, you have to follow the effort. These are fundamentals but it’s not happening enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

The Dutchman added: “In the current term we don’t have any consistency, we allow excessive scores, we are losing battles and all share the blame for it and I trust everyone sees that. It's vital to accept duty to turn this around and tempting to point fingers but you have to do it together. We have been through it together and claimed the title and all contributed, and during a tough time you must remain united and avoid blaming others.

“You have to be a man and confront the hardship and go again, again and again because if you want to give up then you are at the wrong place in my view, because Liverpool has been going through numerous challenges over those years and we’ve always come out of it. However, that doesn't imply it is easy, it’s exhausting but there is no other way.”

Next Fixtures

The upcoming match in the domestic league is a visit to London Stadium next Sunday, after the Champions League fixture of the Dutch side in the Champions League. Van Dijk said: “The next game is another opportunity so what am I going to do, go home and cry? No, I’m going to return and analyze how we can turn this around and hopefully that is the collective focus as well.”