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The Liverpool skipper has delivered a scathing assessment of Liverpool's disappointing title defence, admitting the reigning champions are in disarray and failing head coach Slot while questioning whether all squad members is owning up for the current downturn.

The Dutch defender struggled to hold back his anger after Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat by Nottingham Forest, a result that saw the Reds in the lower section of the top-flight standings with a negative goal difference. Tom Werner was present at Anfield to observe Liverpool’s sixth defeat in recent outings, their eighth loss in eleven fixtures across every tournament, and a performance that fell apart against a opponent that began the match in the relegation zone.

Poor Second Half and Set-Piece Woes

The captain described Liverpool’s start to the second half as “not good enough” and admitted “anxiety set in” as soon as the Forest player gave Sean Dyche’s team the lead. Forest’s opener was the ninth concession Liverpool have allowed from dead-ball situations in the current campaign.

“There was a productive three or four days’ preparation but in a fixture you are facing reality and the facts are we conceded 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 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 the reality.

Van Dijk’s Demands: Take Responsibility

The skipper usually speaks the press after a game as part of his role as Liverpool captain. This time was distinct, however. He spoke was much louder – audible enough that any player in the stadium corridors could listen in – and he expressed visible fury while urging the squad to react. “Anger is justified,” he emphasized. “The main thing for me is that each individual has to be accountable.” When questioned whether this is occurring, Van Dijk replied: “It's unclear. But it's essential. That's crucial I expect 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

The Merseyside club spent almost £450m to replenish a championship-winning team in the off-season but have regressed, with several high-profile signings struggling to contribute so far. Van Dijk insisted that Liverpool’s issues go beyond the new recruits. “It’s tough for all involved,” he said. “My expectation is for everyone to be answerable 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. These are fundamentals but it’s not happening enough.”

Call for Unity

Van Dijk continued: “This season we lack any steady form, we allow far too many goals, we are being out-fought and everyone is responsible for it and I trust this is recognized. It's vital to take responsibility to turn this around and it is easy to point fingers but unity is essential. Past successes were collective and claimed the title and all contributed, and when you go through a tough time you have to stick together and avoid blaming others.

“Show character and confront the hardship and go again, repeatedly because surrendering is not an option then you are at the wrong place in my eyes, because Liverpool has been going through numerous challenges over recent seasons and we’ve consistently emerged of it. But it doesn’t mean it is straightforward, it’s exhausting but there is no other way.”

Next Fixtures

The upcoming match in the Premier League is a trip to West Ham next Sunday, after the Champions League fixture of the Dutch side in the Champions League. Van Dijk said: “The next game is another opportunity so what am I going to do, go home and cry? Certainly not, I'll go home and analyze how we can improve results and I trust that is what everyone is doing as well.”