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The Liverpool skipper has delivered a scathing evaluation of Liverpool's woeful title defence, admitting the reigning champions are in a mess and letting down head coach Slot while doubting whether all squad members is taking responsibility for the current downturn.

The Dutch defender could not contain his anger after the weekend's heavy loss at Anfield by Nottingham Forest, a result that saw the Reds in the lower section of the top-flight standings with a deficit in goals. The club's chair was present at Anfield to observe Liverpool’s latest loss in recent outings, their eighth setback in 11 matches across every tournament, and a performance that fell apart against a Forest side that began the match in the relegation zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Set-Piece Woes

Van Dijk labeled Liverpool’s opening after halftime as “unacceptable” and admitted “anxiety set in” as soon as Murillo gave the visitors 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 game you are facing reality and the facts are we gave away a free-kick in the first half and a poor concession at the start of the second half,” stated Van Dijk. “We are certainly failing the manager, but we’ve disappointed ourselves as well. You look at yourself first and then you support teammates, you help each other get out of this mess because at the moment it is a mess – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Step Up

Van Dijk usually speaks the media after a match as part of his duties as team leader. This time was distinct, however. He spoke was more forceful – audible enough that any teammate in the stadium corridors could hear him – and he expressed visible fury while challenging the squad to react. “Anger is justified,” he insisted. “The main thing for me is that everyone has to be accountable.” When questioned whether this is occurring, Van Dijk replied: “It's unclear. But it's essential. It’s the main thing I expect the players to do. It’s not easy during tough periods but we have to do it if we want to get out of this.”

Squad Investment and Team Problems

Liverpool invested almost £450 million 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 maintained that Liverpool’s issues extend past the recent additions. “It's difficult for all involved,” he said. “What I want is for everyone to take responsibility on the pitch. We have to do that in order to push each other, to improve collectively. When someone is pressing, you have to follow the effort. It’s basic things but they're lacking enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

Van Dijk added: “This season we don’t have any steady form, we allow far too many goals, we are losing battles and everyone is responsible for it and I trust this is recognized. We have to take responsibility to reverse the situation and tempting to assign blame but unity is essential. We have been through it together and won the league and all contributed, and during a tough time you have to stick together and avoid blaming others.

“You have to be a man and face the toughness and persist, again and again because surrendering is not an option then you are at the wrong place in my eyes, because Liverpool has been going through many adversity over those years and we’ve always come out of it. However, that doesn't imply it is straightforward, it’s tiring but there is only one path forward.”

Next Fixtures

The upcoming match in the domestic league is a visit to London Stadium next weekend, after the midweek visit of PSV in the Champions League. He said: “The next game is another opportunity so what am I going to do, 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.”