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Virgil van Dijk has delivered a scathing assessment of the club's disappointing title defence, confessing the title holders are in disarray and failing manager Arne Slot while questioning whether all squad members is owning up for the current downturn.

Van Dijk 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 top-flight standings with a negative goal difference. Tom Werner was in attendance to witness Liverpool’s sixth defeat in recent outings, their eighth loss in eleven fixtures across every tournament, and a performance that fell apart against a opponent that started the day in the drop zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Set-Piece Woes

The captain described Liverpool’s start to the second half as “unacceptable” and admitted “panic kicked in” as soon as Murillo gave the visitors the advantage. The first goal was the ninth concession Liverpool have conceded from a set piece in the Premier League this season.

“There was a productive build-up to the match but in a game you are facing facts and the truth is we gave away a free-kick in the opening period and a terrible goal at the start of the second half,” stated Van Dijk. “We are definitely letting him down, 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 present time it is a mess – that’s just a fact.

Van Dijk’s Demands: Step Up

Van Dijk typically addresses the media after a game as part of his role as Liverpool captain. Saturday was different, however. He spoke was much louder – so loud that any player in the stadium corridors could hear him – and he shook with anger while challenging the dressing room to react. “Anger is justified,” he insisted. “The main thing for me is that each individual has to take responsibility.” When questioned whether that is happening, Van Dijk replied: “It's unclear. But you have to do that. It’s the main thing I expect the boys to do. It's challenging during tough periods but we must act if we aim to recover of this.”

Squad Investment and Team Problems

Liverpool spent almost £450 million to strengthen a title-winning squad in the off-season but have gone backwards, with several high-profile signings failing to make an impact so far. The captain maintained that Liverpool’s problems go beyond the recent additions. “It's difficult for all involved,” he said. “What I want is for everyone to be answerable on the pitch. We have to do that in order to motivate one another, to improve collectively. When someone is pressing, you must join the effort. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Call for Unity

Van Dijk added: “This season we lack any steady form, we concede excessive scores, we are being out-fought and all share the blame for it and I hope this is recognized. We have to take responsibility to turn this around and tempting to assign blame but unity is essential. We have been through it together and won the league and all contributed, and when you go through a tough time you must remain united and not point fingers.

“Show character and face the toughness and persist, again and again because if you want to give up then you are in the wrong environment in my eyes, because this club has been enduring many adversity over those years and we’ve always come out of it. But it doesn’t mean it is straightforward, it’s tiring but there is only one path forward.”

Next Fixtures

The upcoming match in the Premier League is a visit to London Stadium next Sunday, after the midweek visit of PSV in the European competition. Van Dijk commented: “Wednesday is another game so what am I going to do, dwell on the loss? Certainly not, I’m going to return and try to think how we can turn this around and hopefully that is the collective focus as well.”