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Virgil van Dijk has delivered a scathing evaluation of Liverpool's disappointing title defence, confessing the title holders are in disarray and letting down manager Arne Slot while questioning whether all squad members is owning up for the team’s slump.

Van Dijk 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 Premier League table with a negative goal difference. The club's chair was present at Anfield to observe Liverpool’s sixth defeat in recent outings, their eighth loss in 11 matches across all competitions, and a display that fell apart against a opponent that started the day in the drop zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Defensive Lapses

The captain described Liverpool’s start to the second half as “unacceptable” and admitted “panic kicked in” as soon as the Forest player gave Sean Dyche’s team the lead. Forest’s opener was the ninth concession Liverpool have conceded from a set piece in the current campaign.

“We had a productive build-up to the match but in a game you are dealing with reality and the truth is we conceded a free-kick in the opening period and a terrible goal at the beginning after the break,” stated Van Dijk. “We are certainly failing the manager, but we’ve disappointed ourselves as well. Start with self-reflection and then you help each other, you work together to escape of this crisis because at the present time it is a mess – that's the reality.

Van Dijk’s Demands: Step Up

The skipper usually speaks the press after a game as part of his role as Liverpool captain. This time was distinct, however. His voice was more forceful – audible enough that any teammate in the stadium corridors could listen in – and he expressed visible fury while urging the dressing room to respond. “You should be angry,” he insisted. “The main thing for me is that everyone has to take responsibility.” When questioned whether that is happening, Van Dijk replied: “It's unclear. But you have to do that. That's crucial I want the players to do. It's challenging during tough periods but we have to do it if we aim to recover of this.”

Summer Signings and Broader Issues

The Merseyside club spent almost £450 million to replenish a championship-winning team in the off-season but have gone backwards, with new arrivals struggling to contribute so far. Van Dijk maintained that Liverpool’s problems extend past the new recruits. “It’s tough for all involved,” he said. “What I want is for each player to take responsibility on the field. This is necessary in order to motivate one another, to make each other better. If a teammate presses, you have to follow the effort. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Call for Unity

Van Dijk added: “This season we lack any steady form, we concede far too many goals, we are losing battles and all share the blame for it and I hope this is recognized. We have to accept duty to reverse the situation and tempting to point fingers but you have to do it together. Past successes were collective and won the league and all contributed, and during a tough time you have to stick together and not point fingers.

“You have to be a man and confront the hardship and persist, repeatedly because surrendering is not an option then you are at the wrong place in my view, because this club has been enduring many adversity over recent seasons and we’ve consistently emerged of it. However, that doesn't imply it is easy, it’s exhausting but there is only one path forward.”

Next Fixtures

Next up in the domestic league is a trip to West Ham next Sunday, after the Champions League fixture of the Dutch side in the Champions League. He said: “Wednesday is another opportunity so how should I respond, go home and cry? No, I'll go home and analyze how we can turn this around and I trust that is what everyone is doing as well.”