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Virgil van Dijk has delivered a blunt assessment of the club's disappointing title defence, admitting the title holders are in disarray and failing manager Arne Slot while doubting whether every player is taking responsibility for the team’s slump.

The Dutch defender could not contain his anger after the weekend's heavy loss at Anfield by Nottingham Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the lower section of the Premier League table with a deficit in goals. Tom Werner was in attendance to observe Liverpool’s sixth defeat in seven league games, their eighth setback in eleven fixtures across every tournament, and a performance that fell apart against a opponent that started the day in the relegation zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Defensive Lapses

The captain described 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 current campaign.

“There was a productive three or four days’ preparation but in a fixture you are dealing with facts and the facts are we conceded a free-kick in the opening period and a terrible goal at the start of the second half,” 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 mess because at the present time it is a mess – that’s just a fact.

Captain’s Challenge: Step Up

The skipper typically addresses the media after a match as part of his role as team leader. This time was distinct, however. He spoke was more forceful – audible enough that any player in the stadium corridors could hear him – and he expressed visible fury while urging the squad to respond. “Anger is justified,” he emphasized. “The key point for me is that everyone has to take responsibility.” When questioned whether this is occurring, Van Dijk replied: “It's unclear. But it's essential. It’s the main thing I want the boys to do. It’s not easy during difficult times but we must act if we aim to recover of this.”

Summer Signings and Broader Issues

Liverpool spent almost £450 million to replenish a championship-winning team in the off-season but have regressed, with several high-profile signings struggling to contribute so far. The captain maintained that Liverpool’s issues extend past the new recruits. “It’s tough for all involved,” he said. “What I want is for everyone to take responsibility on the field. We have to do that in order to push each other, to make each other better. When someone is pressing, you have to follow the effort. These are fundamentals but they're lacking enough.”

Call for Unity

The Dutchman added: “In the current term we don’t have any steady form, we concede excessive scores, we are being out-fought and everyone is responsible for it and I hope everyone sees that. It's vital to accept duty to turn this around and it is easy to assign blame but you have to do it together. Past successes were collective and claimed the title and everyone was part of it, and when you go through a tough time you must remain united and not point fingers.

“Show character and confront the hardship and go again, repeatedly because if you want to give up then you are at the wrong place in my view, because this club has been enduring numerous challenges over recent seasons and we’ve always come out of it. But it doesn’t mean 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 Sunday, after the midweek visit of PSV in the Champions League. Van Dijk commented: “Wednesday is another game so how should I respond, go home and cry? Certainly not, I'll go home and try to think how we can improve results and I trust that is the collective focus as well.”