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The Liverpool skipper has issued a blunt evaluation of the club's disappointing title defence, confessing the reigning champions are in disarray and failing manager Arne Slot while questioning whether every player is taking responsibility for the current downturn.

The Dutch defender struggled to hold back his anger after Saturday’s heavy loss at Anfield by Nottingham Forest, a result that saw the Reds in the lower section of the top-flight standings with a deficit in goals. Tom Werner was present at Anfield to witness Liverpool’s sixth defeat in recent outings, their eighth loss in eleven fixtures across all competitions, and a performance that unravelled against a Forest side that began the match in the drop zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Set-Piece Woes

Van Dijk described Liverpool’s opening after halftime as “unacceptable” and admitted “anxiety set in” as soon as the Forest player gave Sean Dyche’s team the lead. The first goal was the ninth goal Liverpool have allowed from dead-ball situations in the current campaign.

“There was a productive three or four days’ preparation but in a fixture you are dealing with facts and the truth is we gave away a free-kick in the opening period and a poor concession at the start of the second half,” said the defender. “As a team, we're certainly failing the manager, but we’ve disappointed ourselves as well. Start with self-reflection and then you support teammates, you work together to escape of this mess because at the moment it is a difficult situation – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Step Up

Van Dijk typically addresses the press after a match as part of his duties as team leader. This time was distinct, however. He spoke was much louder – so loud that any teammate in the Anfield tunnel could listen in – and he expressed visible fury while urging the dressing room to react. “Anger is justified,” he insisted. “The main thing for me is that each individual has to be accountable.” When questioned whether this is occurring, he replied: “It's unclear. But you have to do that. That's crucial I expect the boys to do. It's challenging during tough periods but we have to do it if we aim to recover of this.”

Summer Signings and Broader Issues

The Merseyside club spent almost £450 million to replenish a title-winning squad in the summer but have gone backwards, with new arrivals struggling to contribute so far. The captain maintained that Liverpool’s issues extend past the recent additions. “It’s tough for everyone,” 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 make each other better. If a teammate presses, you have to follow the press. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

Van Dijk continued: “In the current term we don’t have any steady form, we concede excessive scores, we are being out-fought and all share the blame for it and I trust this is recognized. It's vital to take responsibility to reverse the situation and it is easy to point fingers but you have to do it together. We have been through it together and won the league and all contributed, and when you go through a challenging phase you have to stick together and avoid blaming others.

“Show character and face the toughness and persist, repeatedly because if you want to give up then you are in the wrong environment in my eyes, because this club has been enduring numerous challenges over those years and we’ve consistently emerged of it. However, that doesn't imply it is easy, it’s exhausting but there is no other way.”

Next Fixtures

Next up in the domestic league is a visit to London Stadium next weekend, after the Champions League fixture of the Dutch side in the European competition. He said: “Wednesday is another opportunity so what am I going to do, go home and cry? Certainly not, I’m going to return and analyze how we can turn this around and I trust that is the collective focus as well.”