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Virgil van Dijk has delivered a scathing evaluation of Liverpool's woeful title defence, confessing the reigning champions are in disarray and failing manager Arne Slot while doubting whether every player is taking responsibility for the team’s slump.

The Dutch defender could not contain his anger after Saturday’s heavy loss at Anfield by Nottingham Forest, a result that saw the Reds in the bottom half of the Premier League table with a negative goal difference. The club's chair was in attendance to observe Liverpool’s sixth defeat in seven league games, their eighth setback in 11 matches across every tournament, and a display that fell apart against a Forest side that began the match in the relegation zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Defensive Lapses

Van Dijk labeled Liverpool’s opening after halftime as “not good enough” and admitted “anxiety set in” as soon as Murillo gave the visitors the lead. The first goal was the ninth goal Liverpool have allowed from dead-ball situations in the current campaign.

“We had a great three or four days’ preparation but in a game you are dealing with facts and the truth is we gave away a set piece in the first half and a terrible goal at the start of the second half,” stated Van Dijk. “As a team, we're certainly letting him down, but we’ve disappointed ourselves as well. Start with self-reflection and then you help each other, you help each other get out of this mess because at the moment it is a difficult situation – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Take Responsibility

Van Dijk typically addresses the press after a match as part of his duties as team leader. Saturday was different, however. His voice was more forceful – audible enough that any player in the Anfield tunnel could listen in – and he shook with anger while urging the squad to respond. “Anger is justified,” he emphasized. “The key point for me is that each individual has to take responsibility.” Asked whether this is occurring, he replied: “It's unclear. But you have to do that. It’s the main thing I expect the players 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

The Merseyside club spent almost £450 million to strengthen a title-winning squad in the off-season but have gone backwards, with new arrivals failing to make an impact so far. The captain maintained that Liverpool’s problems go beyond the recent additions. “It’s tough for all involved,” he said. “My expectation is for each player to take responsibility on the pitch. This is necessary in order to push each other, to improve collectively. When someone is pressing, you have to follow the press. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Call for Unity

Van Dijk added: “This season we don’t have any consistency, we concede excessive scores, we are being out-fought and all share the blame for it and I hope everyone sees that. We have to accept duty to reverse the situation and tempting to assign blame but you have to do it together. Past successes were collective and won the league and all contributed, and during a tough time you must remain united and not point fingers.

“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 view, because this club has been going through numerous challenges over those years and we’ve always come out of it. However, that doesn't imply it is easy, it’s tiring but there is only one path forward.”

Next Fixtures

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 European competition. Van Dijk said: “The next game is another opportunity so what am I going to do, dwell on the loss? No, I’m going to return and analyze how we can improve results and I trust that is the collective focus as well.”