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The Liverpool skipper has delivered a scathing evaluation of Liverpool's woeful title defence, admitting the title holders are in disarray and failing head coach Slot while questioning whether all squad members is taking responsibility for the team’s slump.

The Dutch defender could not contain his frustration after the weekend'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 latest loss in seven league games, their eighth setback in eleven fixtures across all competitions, and a performance that unravelled against a opponent 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 “anxiety set in” as soon as Murillo gave Sean Dyche’s team the lead. The first goal was the ninth goal Liverpool have conceded from a set piece in the current campaign.

“There was a great build-up to the match but in a game you are facing facts and the facts are we gave away a free-kick in the opening period and a terrible goal at the start of the second half,” said the defender. “We are definitely letting him down, but we’ve let ourselves down as well. Start with self-reflection and then you help each other, you work together to escape of this mess because at the present time it is a mess – that’s just a fact.

Van Dijk’s Demands: Take Responsibility

Van Dijk usually speaks the press after a game as part of his duties as Liverpool captain. Saturday was different, however. His voice was much louder – audible enough that any teammate in the stadium corridors could hear him – and he shook with anger while challenging the squad to react. “You should be angry,” he emphasized. “The key point for me is that each individual has to be accountable.” Asked whether that is happening, he replied: “It's unclear. But you have to do that. 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.”

Summer Signings and Team Problems

The Merseyside club invested almost £450m to strengthen a title-winning squad in the summer but have gone backwards, with new arrivals struggling to contribute so far. Van Dijk maintained that Liverpool’s issues extend past the recent additions. “It’s tough for all involved,” he said. “What I want is for each player to be answerable on the pitch. This is necessary in order to motivate one another, to improve collectively. When someone is pressing, you must join the press. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

The Dutchman added: “In the current term we don’t have any consistency, we concede far too many goals, we are losing battles and everyone is responsible for it and I hope this is recognized. We have to accept duty to turn this around and tempting to assign blame but you have to do it together. We have been through it together and claimed the title and all contributed, and when you go through a tough time you have to stick together and not point fingers.

“You have to be a man 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 Liverpool 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 visit to London Stadium next Sunday, after the Champions League fixture of PSV in the Champions League. Van Dijk said: “The next game is another opportunity so how should I respond, dwell on the loss? Certainly not, I’m going to go home and try to think how we can improve results and I trust that is what everyone is doing as well.”