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The Liverpool skipper has issued a scathing evaluation of Liverpool's disappointing title defence, confessing the reigning champions are in disarray and letting down head coach Slot while questioning whether every player is owning up for the team’s slump.

Van Dijk struggled to hold back his frustration after the weekend'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 latest loss in recent outings, their eighth loss in 11 matches across every tournament, and a performance that fell apart against a opponent that started the day in the relegation zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Defensive Lapses

The captain labeled Liverpool’s start to the second half as “not good enough” and admitted “anxiety set in” as soon as the Forest player gave Sean Dyche’s team the lead. The first goal was the ninth concession Liverpool have allowed from dead-ball situations in the Premier League this season.

“There was a productive build-up to the match but in a game you are facing reality and the facts are we gave away a set piece in the opening period and a terrible goal at the start of the second half,” said Van Dijk. “As a team, we're definitely failing the manager, but we’ve let ourselves down 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 just a fact.

Captain’s Challenge: Step Up

The skipper typically addresses the press after a match as part of his role as Liverpool captain. This time was distinct, however. He spoke was more forceful – audible enough that any teammate in the Anfield tunnel could hear him – and he shook with anger while challenging the dressing room to react. “You should be angry,” he emphasized. “The main thing for me is that each individual has to take responsibility.” When questioned whether that is happening, he answered: “I don’t know. 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 have to do it if we aim to recover of this.”

Summer Signings and Team Problems

Liverpool spent almost £450 million to strengthen 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 difficult for all involved,” he said. “My expectation is for each player to be answerable on the pitch. We have to do that in order to motivate one another, to improve collectively. When someone is pressing, you must join the press. It’s basic things but they're lacking enough.”

Call for Unity

The Dutchman continued: “In the current term we lack any steady form, we allow far too many goals, we are being out-fought and all share the blame for it and I trust this is recognized. We have to accept duty to turn this around and tempting to assign blame but you have to do it together. We have been through it together and won the league and all contributed, and during a challenging phase you must remain united and avoid blaming others.

“You have to be a man and face the toughness and go again, again and again because surrendering is not an option then you are in the wrong environment in my eyes, because this club has been going through many adversity over those years and we’ve always come out of it. However, that doesn't imply it is straightforward, it’s exhausting but there is only one path forward.”

Next Fixtures

The upcoming match in the Premier League is a visit to London Stadium next Sunday, after the Champions League fixture of the Dutch side in the Champions League. He said: “Wednesday is another game so how should I respond, dwell on the loss? Certainly not, 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.”