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The Liverpool skipper has issued a scathing evaluation of the club's disappointing title defence, confessing the reigning champions are in disarray and failing manager Arne Slot while doubting whether all squad members is taking responsibility for the team’s slump.

Van Dijk struggled to hold back his frustration after the weekend's heavy loss at Anfield by Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the lower section of the Premier League table with a deficit in goals. Tom Werner was present at Anfield to observe Liverpool’s sixth defeat in recent outings, their eighth setback in eleven fixtures across every tournament, and a performance that unravelled against a Forest side that started the day in the relegation zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Defensive Lapses

Van Dijk labeled Liverpool’s start to the second half as “not good enough” and admitted “panic kicked in” as soon as the Forest player gave the visitors the advantage. The first goal was the ninth goal Liverpool have allowed from dead-ball situations in the Premier League this season.

“There was a productive three or four days’ preparation but in a fixture you are dealing with 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 definitely letting him down, but we’ve let ourselves down as well. Start with self-reflection and then you support teammates, you help each other get out of this mess because at the moment it is a difficult situation – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Take Responsibility

The skipper typically addresses the media after a match as part of his duties as team leader. This time was distinct, however. He spoke was much louder – so loud that any teammate in the stadium corridors could listen in – and he shook with anger while challenging the squad to respond. “Anger is justified,” he insisted. “The main thing for me is that each individual has to be accountable.” When questioned whether that is happening, Van Dijk replied: “It's unclear. But it's essential. It’s the main thing I want the players to do. It’s not easy during tough periods but we must act if we want to get out of this.”

Squad Investment and Broader Issues

Liverpool spent almost £450m to replenish a championship-winning team in the off-season but have gone backwards, with new arrivals failing to make an impact so far. The captain insisted that Liverpool’s issues extend past the new recruits. “It's difficult for everyone,” he said. “What I want is for each player 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 have to follow the effort. These are fundamentals but they're lacking enough.”

Call for Unity

Van Dijk continued: “This season we lack any steady form, we concede far too many goals, we are losing battles and all share the blame for it and I hope everyone sees that. We have to accept duty to turn this around and tempting to point fingers but unity is essential. 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.

“You have to be a man and confront the hardship and persist, again and again because surrendering is not an option then you are in the wrong environment in my view, because Liverpool has been going through numerous challenges over recent seasons and we’ve always come out of it. But it doesn’t mean it is easy, it’s tiring but there is no other way.”

Next Fixtures

Next up in the domestic league is a visit to London Stadium next weekend, after the midweek visit 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'll go home and analyze how we can turn this around and hopefully that is the collective focus as well.”