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Virgil van Dijk has delivered a scathing evaluation of the club's disappointing title defence, confessing the reigning champions are in disarray and letting down manager Arne Slot while doubting whether all squad members is taking responsibility for the team’s slump.

The Dutch defender struggled to hold back his frustration after the weekend's heavy loss at Anfield by Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the lower section of the top-flight standings with a deficit in goals. Tom Werner was present at Anfield to observe Liverpool’s sixth defeat in seven league games, their eighth setback in eleven fixtures across all competitions, and a performance that unravelled against a opponent that began the match in the drop zone.

Poor Second Half and Defensive Lapses

Van Dijk labeled Liverpool’s opening after halftime as “unacceptable” and admitted “anxiety set in” as soon as the Forest player gave Sean Dyche’s team the advantage. Forest’s opener was the ninth concession Liverpool have allowed from dead-ball situations in the Premier League this season.

“There was a great three or four days’ preparation but in a game you are facing reality and the facts are we gave away a set piece in the opening period and a poor concession at the start of the second half,” stated Van Dijk. “As a team, we're definitely failing the manager, 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 mess because at the moment it is a mess – that’s just a fact.

Captain’s Challenge: Take Responsibility

Van Dijk typically addresses the media after a game as part of his role as team leader. This time was distinct, however. He spoke was more forceful – so loud that any teammate in the stadium corridors could listen in – and he shook with anger while challenging the dressing room to respond. “You should be angry,” he insisted. “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 expect the players to do. It’s not easy during difficult times but we must act if we aim to recover of this.”

Squad Investment and Broader Issues

Liverpool spent almost £450 million to replenish a title-winning squad in the summer but have regressed, with several high-profile signings failing to make an impact so far. The captain maintained that Liverpool’s issues go beyond the new recruits. “It's difficult for everyone,” he said. “My expectation is for each player to take responsibility on the field. This is necessary in order to push each other, to make each other better. When someone is pressing, you have to follow the effort. It’s basic things but they're lacking enough.”

Call for Unity

The Dutchman added: “This season we lack any steady form, we concede excessive scores, we are losing battles and everyone is responsible for it and I trust this is recognized. It's vital to accept duty to reverse the situation and tempting to assign blame but unity is essential. Past successes were collective and won the league and all contributed, and when you go through a challenging phase you have to stick together and not point fingers.

“Show character and face the toughness and go again, repeatedly because surrendering is not an option then you are at the wrong place in my eyes, because this club has been enduring many adversity over those years and we’ve consistently emerged of it. However, that doesn't imply it is straightforward, it’s exhausting 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 midweek visit of the Dutch side in the European competition. He commented: “Wednesday is another game so what am I going to do, go home and cry? No, I'll go home and analyze how we can improve results and I trust that is what everyone is doing as well.”