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The Liverpool skipper has issued a blunt assessment of the club's woeful title defence, confessing the title holders are in a mess and letting down manager Arne Slot while questioning whether all squad members is owning up for the current downturn.

Van Dijk struggled to hold back his frustration after Saturday’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. The club's chair was in attendance to observe Liverpool’s latest loss in seven league games, their eighth setback in eleven fixtures across every tournament, and a display that unravelled against a Forest side that began the match in the drop zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Defensive Lapses

Van Dijk described Liverpool’s start to the second half as “not good enough” and admitted “anxiety set in” as soon as Murillo 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.

“There was a great build-up to the match but in a fixture you are facing reality and the truth is we conceded a set piece 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. You look at yourself first and then you help each other, you work together to escape of this mess because at the present time it is a difficult situation – that's the reality.

Van Dijk’s Demands: Step Up

The skipper typically addresses the press after a match as part of his role as team leader. This time was distinct, however. He spoke was much louder – audible enough that any player in the Anfield tunnel could hear him – and he shook with anger while challenging the dressing room to react. “Anger is justified,” he emphasized. “The key point for me is that each individual has to be accountable.” Asked whether that is happening, he replied: “It's unclear. But it's essential. It’s the main thing I want the players to do. It’s not easy during difficult times but we must act if we want to get out of this.”

Summer Signings and Team Problems

Liverpool spent almost £450 million to strengthen a championship-winning team in the off-season but have gone backwards, with several high-profile signings struggling to contribute so far. The captain maintained that Liverpool’s problems extend past the new recruits. “It’s tough for everyone,” he said. “What I want is for each player to be answerable on the field. We have to do that in order to push each other, to make each other better. If a teammate presses, you must join the effort. It’s basic things but they're lacking enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

The Dutchman continued: “This season we lack any steady form, we concede excessive scores, we are being out-fought and everyone is responsible for it and I trust this is recognized. We have to accept duty to turn this around and it is easy to assign blame but unity is essential. We have been through it together and claimed the title and all contributed, and when you go through a challenging phase you must remain united and not point fingers.

“Show character 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 eyes, because Liverpool has been going through many adversity over those years and we’ve always come out of it. However, that doesn't imply it is straightforward, it’s tiring but there is no other way.”

Looking Ahead

The upcoming match in the domestic league is a visit to London Stadium next Sunday, after the midweek visit of the Dutch side in the European competition. Van Dijk commented: “Wednesday is another game so what am I going to do, dwell on the loss? No, I’m going to go home and analyze how we can improve results and hopefully that is what everyone is doing as well.”