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The Liverpool skipper has issued a blunt evaluation of Liverpool's woeful title defence, admitting the reigning champions are in disarray and letting down head coach Slot while doubting whether every player is owning up for the team’s slump.

The Dutch defender could not contain his anger after the weekend's 3-0 home defeat by Forest, a result that saw the Reds in the bottom half of the Premier League table with a negative goal difference. Tom Werner was present at Anfield to witness Liverpool’s latest loss 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 Defensive Lapses

Van Dijk described Liverpool’s opening after halftime as “not good enough” and admitted “anxiety set in” as soon as Murillo gave Sean Dyche’s team the advantage. Forest’s opener was the ninth concession Liverpool have allowed from dead-ball situations in the Premier League this season.

“We had a productive build-up to the match but in a game you are facing reality and the facts are we gave away a free-kick in the first half and a terrible goal at the start of the second half,” stated Van Dijk. “As a team, we're definitely letting him down, but we’ve disappointed ourselves as well. Start with self-reflection and then you help each other, you help each other get out of this mess because at the present time it is a mess – that’s just a fact.

Van Dijk’s Demands: Step Up

The skipper usually speaks the press after a game as part of his role 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 expressed visible fury while urging the squad to respond. “You should be angry,” he emphasized. “The main thing for me is that each individual has to be accountable.” Asked whether this is occurring, he replied: “I don’t know. But you have to do that. That's crucial I want the boys to do. It's challenging during tough periods but we have to do it if we aim to recover of this.”

Squad Investment and Broader Issues

Liverpool invested almost £450 million to strengthen a championship-winning team in the summer but have gone backwards, with new arrivals failing to make an impact so far. The captain insisted that Liverpool’s problems extend past the recent additions. “It's difficult for all involved,” he said. “What I want is for each player to take responsibility on the field. This is necessary in order to push each other, to improve collectively. If a teammate presses, you must join the press. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

Van Dijk continued: “In the current term we don’t have any consistency, we allow far too many goals, we are being out-fought and everyone is responsible for it and I hope everyone sees that. It's vital to take responsibility to turn this around and it is easy to point fingers but unity is essential. We have been through it together and won the league and everyone was part of it, and during a tough time you have to stick together and avoid blaming others.

“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 recent seasons and we’ve consistently emerged of it. However, that doesn't imply it is straightforward, it’s exhausting but there is no other way.”

Looking Ahead

The upcoming match in the Premier League is a visit to London Stadium next Sunday, after the Champions League fixture of PSV in the European competition. Van Dijk said: “Wednesday is another opportunity so how should I respond, go home and cry? No, I'll return and analyze how we can turn this around and hopefully that is what everyone is doing as well.”