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Virgil van Dijk has issued a scathing evaluation of the club's disappointing title defence, confessing the reigning champions are in disarray and failing head coach Slot while doubting whether every player is taking responsibility for the team’s slump.

Van Dijk struggled to hold back his anger after Saturday’s heavy loss at Anfield by Nottingham Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the bottom half of the Premier League table with a negative goal difference. Tom Werner was present at Anfield to witness Liverpool’s sixth defeat in seven league games, their eighth loss in 11 matches across every tournament, and a display that fell apart against a Forest side that started the day in the relegation zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Defensive Lapses

The captain described 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. Forest’s opener was the ninth concession Liverpool have allowed from dead-ball situations in the current campaign.

“There was a great three or four days’ preparation but in a game you are dealing with reality and the truth is we conceded a set piece in the opening period and a poor concession at the beginning after the break,” said Van Dijk. “As a team, we're definitely failing the manager, but we’ve disappointed ourselves as well. You look at yourself first and then you help each other, you work together to escape of this mess because at the moment it is a difficult situation – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Step Up

Van Dijk typically addresses the press after a game as part of his duties as team leader. This time was distinct, however. His voice was much louder – so loud that any player in the stadium corridors could listen in – and he shook with anger while urging the squad to react. “Anger is justified,” he insisted. “The key point for me is that each individual has to take responsibility.” Asked whether this is occurring, Van Dijk answered: “It's unclear. But it's essential. It’s the main thing I expect the boys to do. It’s not easy during tough periods but we must act if we aim to recover of this.”

Squad Investment and Broader Issues

The Merseyside club invested almost £450m to strengthen a title-winning squad in the off-season but have gone backwards, with new arrivals failing to make an impact so far. Van Dijk insisted that Liverpool’s problems go beyond the new recruits. “It’s tough for all involved,” he said. “My expectation is for each player to be answerable on the pitch. We have to do that in order to push each other, 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

Van Dijk added: “This season we don’t have any consistency, we concede excessive scores, we are being out-fought and everyone is responsible for it and I trust everyone sees that. It's vital to accept duty 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 challenging phase you have to stick together and not point fingers.

“Show character and confront the hardship and go again, repeatedly because if you want to give up then you are at the wrong place in my eyes, because this club has been enduring numerous challenges over recent seasons and we’ve always come out of it. However, that doesn't imply it is straightforward, it’s exhausting but there is only one path forward.”

Next Fixtures

The upcoming match in the Premier League is a trip to West Ham next weekend, after the midweek visit of the Dutch side in the Champions League. He said: “Wednesday is another opportunity so what am I going to do, go home and cry? Certainly not, I’m going to return and try to think how we can improve results and I trust that is the collective focus as well.”