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The Liverpool skipper has issued a blunt evaluation of the club's woeful title defence, admitting the reigning champions are in a mess and letting down manager Arne Slot while questioning whether all squad members is owning up for the current downturn.

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 lower section of the top-flight standings with a negative goal difference. Tom Werner was in attendance to witness Liverpool’s latest loss in seven league games, their eighth loss in eleven fixtures across all competitions, and a display that unravelled against a Forest side that began the match in the drop zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Defensive Lapses

The captain described Liverpool’s opening after halftime as “not good enough” and admitted “panic kicked in” as soon as the Forest player gave the visitors 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 great build-up to the match but in a fixture you are facing facts and the truth is we gave away a free-kick in the first half and a poor concession at the beginning after the break,” said the defender. “We are certainly 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 moment it is a mess – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Step Up

The skipper typically addresses the press after a game as part of his duties as Liverpool captain. This time was distinct, however. His voice was more forceful – audible enough that any player in the Anfield tunnel could listen in – and he expressed visible fury while challenging the squad to react. “Anger is justified,” he insisted. “The key point for me is that each individual has to be accountable.” When questioned whether this is occurring, Van Dijk replied: “I don’t know. But you have to do that. It’s the main thing I expect the boys to do. It's challenging during difficult times but we have to do it if we want to get out of this.”

Summer Signings and Broader Issues

Liverpool spent almost £450m to replenish a title-winning squad in the summer but have regressed, with several high-profile signings struggling to contribute so far. The captain maintained that Liverpool’s issues extend past the recent additions. “It's difficult for everyone,” he said. “What I want is for each player to take responsibility on the field. We have to do that in order to motivate one another, to improve collectively. If a teammate presses, you have to follow the press. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Call for Unity

The Dutchman continued: “In the current term we lack any consistency, we concede 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 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 during a challenging phase you must remain united and not point fingers.

“You have to be a man and face the toughness and persist, again and again because if you want to give up then you are at the wrong place in my view, 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 tiring but there is only one path forward.”

Looking Ahead

Next up in the domestic league is a visit to London Stadium next Sunday, after the Champions League fixture of the Dutch side in the Champions League. He commented: “The next game is another opportunity so what am I going to do, dwell on the loss? No, I'll return and analyze how we can turn this around and I trust that is what everyone is doing as well.”