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The Liverpool skipper has delivered a blunt assessment of Liverpool's disappointing title defence, admitting the reigning champions are in disarray and letting down head coach Slot while doubting whether every player is taking responsibility for the current downturn.

Van Dijk could not contain his anger after the weekend's heavy loss at Anfield by Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the bottom half of the top-flight standings with a deficit in goals. Tom Werner was present at Anfield to witness Liverpool’s sixth defeat in recent outings, their eighth setback in 11 matches across all competitions, and a display that fell apart against a Forest side that began the match in the relegation zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Set-Piece Woes

The captain labeled Liverpool’s start to the second half as “not good enough” and admitted “anxiety set in” as soon as Murillo gave Sean Dyche’s team 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 productive build-up to the match but in a fixture you are dealing with facts and the truth is we gave away a set piece in the first half and a poor concession at the start of the second half,” said Van Dijk. “As a team, we're definitely failing the manager, but we’ve disappointed ourselves as well. Start with self-reflection and then you help each other, you work together to escape of this mess because at the moment it is a mess – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Take Responsibility

The skipper usually speaks the press after a match as part of his role as team leader. This time was distinct, however. His voice was more forceful – so loud that any teammate in the Anfield tunnel could hear him – and he expressed visible fury while urging the squad to react. “You should be angry,” 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 you have to do that. It’s the main thing I expect the players to do. It's challenging during difficult times but we have to do it if we aim to recover of this.”

Squad Investment and Broader Issues

Liverpool spent almost £450m to replenish a championship-winning team in the off-season but have regressed, with several high-profile signings failing to make an impact so far. The captain insisted that Liverpool’s problems go beyond the recent additions. “It's difficult for everyone,” he said. “What I want is for each player to take responsibility on the field. This is necessary in order to motivate one another, to make each other better. If a teammate presses, you must join the effort. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Call for Unity

Van Dijk added: “In the current term we don’t have any consistency, we allow excessive scores, we are being out-fought and all share the blame for it and I hope this is recognized. It's vital to accept duty to reverse the situation and tempting to assign blame but you have to do it together. 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 confront the hardship and persist, repeatedly because surrendering is not an option then you are at the wrong place in my view, because Liverpool has been going through numerous challenges over those years and we’ve consistently emerged of it. But it doesn’t mean it is straightforward, it’s exhausting but there is only one path forward.”

Next Fixtures

The upcoming match in the domestic league is a visit to London Stadium next Sunday, after the midweek visit of PSV in the European competition. He said: “Wednesday is another opportunity so how should I respond, go home and cry? Certainly not, I'll go home and try to think how we can turn this around and I trust that is the collective focus as well.”