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The Liverpool skipper has issued a scathing evaluation of the club's woeful title defence, admitting the title holders are in disarray and failing head coach Slot while questioning whether all squad members is taking responsibility for the current downturn.

The Dutch defender struggled to hold back his frustration after Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat 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 witness Liverpool’s latest loss in recent outings, their eighth setback in eleven fixtures across all competitions, and a performance that fell apart against a opponent that started the day 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 the visitors the lead. Forest’s opener was the ninth goal 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 game you are dealing with reality and the truth is we conceded a free-kick in the first half and a terrible goal at the beginning after the break,” stated the defender. “We are definitely letting him down, 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 present time it is a mess – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Take Responsibility

The skipper usually speaks the media after a game as part of his role as Liverpool captain. This time was distinct, however. His voice was much louder – audible enough that any teammate in the Anfield tunnel could hear him – and he shook with anger while urging the dressing room 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, he answered: “It's unclear. But you have to do that. It’s the main thing I expect the players to do. It’s not easy during difficult times but we must act if we aim to recover of this.”

Summer Signings and Team Problems

The Merseyside club spent almost £450 million to strengthen a title-winning squad in the off-season but have regressed, with several high-profile signings struggling to contribute so far. Van Dijk maintained that Liverpool’s issues go beyond the recent additions. “It's difficult for all involved,” he said. “My expectation is for everyone to be answerable on the field. We have to do that in order to motivate one another, to improve collectively. When someone is pressing, you have to follow the effort. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Call for Unity

Van Dijk continued: “In the current term we lack any consistency, we allow excessive scores, we are being out-fought and everyone is responsible 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 everyone was part of it, and during a tough time you must remain united and avoid blaming others.

“Show character and confront the hardship and go again, repeatedly because surrendering is not an option then you are in the wrong environment in my eyes, because this club has been going through numerous challenges over those years and we’ve consistently emerged of it. However, that doesn't imply it is easy, it’s exhausting but there is no other way.”

Looking Ahead

The upcoming match in the Premier League is a visit to London Stadium next weekend, after the midweek visit of the Dutch side in the European competition. He said: “Wednesday is another game so how should I respond, go home and cry? Certainly not, I’m going to return and analyze how we can turn this around and I trust that is the collective focus as well.”