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The Liverpool skipper has issued a blunt assessment of Liverpool's disappointing title defence, confessing the reigning champions are in disarray and failing manager Arne Slot while doubting whether all squad members is taking responsibility for the current downturn.

Van Dijk struggled to hold back his frustration after Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat by Forest, a result that saw the Reds in the bottom half of the top-flight standings with a negative goal difference. Tom Werner was in attendance to observe Liverpool’s latest loss in seven league games, their eighth setback in eleven fixtures across all competitions, and a display that unravelled against a opponent that began the match in the drop zone.

Poor Second Half and Defensive Lapses

The captain described Liverpool’s start to the second half as “unacceptable” and admitted “anxiety set in” as soon as Murillo gave Sean Dyche’s team the advantage. The first goal was the ninth concession Liverpool have conceded from a set piece in the Premier League this season.

“We had a productive three or four days’ preparation but in a fixture you are dealing with 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,” stated Van Dijk. “As a team, we're definitely letting him down, but we’ve disappointed ourselves as well. Start with self-reflection and then you support teammates, you help each other get out of this crisis because at the present time it is a mess – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Step Up

Van Dijk usually speaks the media after a game as part of his duties as team leader. This time was distinct, however. He spoke was more forceful – audible enough that any player in the stadium corridors could listen in – and he shook with anger while challenging the squad to respond. “Anger is justified,” he insisted. “The key point for me is that everyone has to be accountable.” Asked whether this is occurring, Van Dijk answered: “I don’t know. But it's essential. It’s the main thing I want the players to do. It’s not easy during difficult times but we have to do it if we want to get out of this.”

Squad Investment and Broader Issues

The Merseyside club spent almost £450m to strengthen a title-winning squad in the off-season but have regressed, with several high-profile signings failing to make an impact so far. Van Dijk insisted that Liverpool’s problems go beyond the new recruits. “It’s tough 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 make each other better. When someone is pressing, you have to follow the effort. It’s basic things but they're lacking enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

The Dutchman continued: “This season we lack 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 unity is essential. Past successes were collective and won the league and all contributed, and when you go through a challenging phase you must remain united and avoid blaming others.

“Show character and confront the hardship 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 enduring numerous challenges over recent seasons and we’ve always come out of it. But it doesn’t mean it is easy, it’s exhausting but there is only one path forward.”

Next Fixtures

Next up in the Premier League is a trip to West Ham next weekend, after the midweek visit of PSV in the Champions League. Van Dijk commented: “Wednesday is another opportunity so what am I going to do, dwell on the loss? No, I’m going to go home and try to think how we can turn this around and hopefully that is what everyone is doing as well.”