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The Liverpool skipper has issued a scathing evaluation of the club's woeful title defence, confessing the reigning champions are in disarray and letting down manager Arne Slot while questioning whether every player is owning up 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 negative goal difference. The club's chair was present at Anfield to observe Liverpool’s latest loss in seven league games, their eighth setback in 11 matches across every tournament, and a performance that unravelled against a opponent that began the match in the drop zone.

Poor Second Half and Defensive Lapses

The captain described Liverpool’s start to the second half as “unacceptable” and admitted “anxiety set in” as soon as Murillo gave the visitors the advantage. The first goal was the ninth concession Liverpool have allowed from dead-ball situations in the Premier League this season.

“We had a great build-up to the match but in a fixture you are dealing with reality and the truth is we gave away a set piece in the opening period and a terrible goal at the start of the second half,” stated the defender. “As a team, we're definitely letting him down, but we’ve disappointed ourselves as well. You look at yourself first and then you support teammates, you work together to escape of this crisis because at the present time it is a mess – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Take Responsibility

The skipper typically addresses the press after a match as part of his duties as Liverpool captain. This time was distinct, however. His voice was much louder – audible enough that any teammate in the stadium corridors could listen in – and he shook with anger while urging the dressing room to respond. “You should be angry,” he insisted. “The main thing for me is that everyone has to be accountable.” When questioned whether that is happening, he replied: “I don’t know. 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.”

Squad Investment and Broader Issues

The Merseyside club invested almost £450 million to replenish a championship-winning team in the off-season but have regressed, with new arrivals struggling to contribute so far. Van Dijk insisted that Liverpool’s problems go beyond the new recruits. “It’s tough for all involved,” he said. “What I want is for each player to take responsibility on the pitch. This is necessary in order to push each other, to make each other better. When someone is pressing, you must join the press. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

Van Dijk added: “In the current term we don’t have any steady form, we allow excessive scores, we are being out-fought and everyone is responsible for it and I hope everyone sees that. We have to accept duty to reverse the situation and it is easy 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 go again, again and again because surrendering is not an option then you are in the wrong environment in my eyes, because this club has been enduring numerous challenges over recent seasons and we’ve always come out of it. However, that doesn't imply it is easy, it’s tiring but there is only one path forward.”

Looking Ahead

The upcoming match in the Premier League is a trip to West Ham next Sunday, after the Champions League fixture of PSV in the European competition. Van Dijk said: “The next game is another game so what am I going to do, go home and cry? No, I’m going to return and analyze how we can improve results and hopefully that is what everyone is doing as well.”