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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 a mess and letting down head coach Slot while questioning whether all squad members is taking responsibility for the team’s slump.

The Dutch defender could not contain his anger after Saturday’s heavy loss at Anfield by Nottingham Forest, a result that saw the Reds in the lower section of the Premier League table with a negative goal difference. Tom Werner was present at Anfield to observe Liverpool’s sixth defeat in seven league games, their eighth loss in 11 matches across all competitions, and a display that unravelled against a Forest side that started the day in the drop zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Set-Piece Woes

The captain described Liverpool’s opening after halftime as “not good enough” and admitted “anxiety set 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 current campaign.

“We had a great build-up to the match but in a game you are facing reality and the truth is we gave away a free-kick in the first half and a terrible goal at the start of the second half,” stated the defender. “We are certainly failing the manager, but we’ve let ourselves down as well. You look at yourself first and then you support teammates, you help each other get out of this crisis because at the present time it is a mess – that’s just a fact.

Van Dijk’s Demands: Take Responsibility

Van Dijk typically addresses the press after a game as part of his role as team leader. This time was distinct, however. He spoke was more forceful – audible enough that any teammate in the stadium corridors could listen in – and he expressed visible fury while challenging the dressing room to react. “You should be angry,” he insisted. “The key point for me is that each individual has to be accountable.” When questioned whether this is occurring, he answered: “I don’t know. But you have to do that. It’s the main thing I want the boys to do. It’s not easy during tough periods but we have to do it if we aim to recover of this.”

Summer Signings and Team Problems

The Merseyside club invested almost £450 million to strengthen a title-winning squad in the summer but have gone backwards, with several high-profile signings failing to make an impact so far. The captain insisted that Liverpool’s issues go beyond the recent additions. “It's difficult for everyone,” he said. “My expectation is for everyone to be answerable on the pitch. We have to do that in order to push each other, to improve collectively. When someone is pressing, you have to follow the press. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Call for Unity

Van Dijk continued: “In the current term we don’t have any steady form, we allow far too many goals, we are being out-fought and all share the blame for it and I hope this is recognized. We have to accept duty to turn this around and it is easy to point fingers but you have to do it together. Past successes were collective and won the league and all contributed, and when you go through a challenging phase you must remain united and avoid blaming others.

“Show character and face the toughness and go again, repeatedly because surrendering is not an option then you are in the wrong environment in my eyes, because this club has been going through numerous challenges over recent seasons and we’ve consistently emerged of it. However, that doesn't imply it is straightforward, it’s exhausting but there is only one path forward.”

Looking Ahead

The upcoming match in the domestic league is a trip to West Ham next weekend, after the midweek visit of the Dutch side in the Champions League. Van Dijk commented: “The next game is another game so how should I respond, dwell on the loss? Certainly not, I’m going to go home and analyze how we can improve results and I trust that is what everyone is doing as well.”