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Virgil van Dijk has issued a blunt assessment of the club's disappointing title defence, admitting the title holders are in a mess and letting down head coach Slot while questioning whether every player is owning up for the team’s slump.

The Dutch defender struggled to hold back his frustration after Saturday’s heavy loss at Anfield by Nottingham Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the bottom half of the Premier League table with a deficit in goals. Tom Werner was in attendance to observe Liverpool’s sixth defeat in recent outings, their eighth setback in eleven fixtures across every tournament, and a display that unravelled against a opponent 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 “panic kicked in” as soon as Murillo gave Sean Dyche’s team the advantage. Forest’s opener was the ninth goal Liverpool have conceded from a set piece in the Premier League this season.

“There was a productive build-up to the match but in a fixture you are dealing with facts and the truth is we gave away a set piece in the opening period and a poor concession at the start of the second half,” said the defender. “We are definitely letting him down, but we’ve let ourselves down as well. Start with self-reflection and then you support teammates, you work together to escape of this crisis because at the present time it is a mess – that’s just a fact.

Captain’s Challenge: Step Up

The skipper usually speaks the press after a game as part of his role as team leader. This time was distinct, however. His voice was more forceful – so loud that any player in the stadium corridors could hear him – and he shook with anger while urging the dressing room to respond. “You should be angry,” he emphasized. “The key point for me is that everyone has to take responsibility.” When questioned whether this is occurring, Van Dijk answered: “I don’t know. But you have to do that. That's crucial I expect the boys to do. It’s not easy during tough periods but we must act if we want to get out of this.”

Squad Investment and Broader Issues

Liverpool spent almost £450m to replenish a championship-winning team in the off-season but have regressed, with new arrivals struggling to contribute so far. The captain maintained that Liverpool’s issues go beyond the new recruits. “It's difficult for everyone,” he said. “My expectation is for everyone to be answerable on the field. 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 they're lacking enough.”

Call for Unity

Van Dijk continued: “In the current term we lack any steady form, we allow far too many goals, we are being out-fought and everyone is responsible for it and I hope this is recognized. 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 claimed the title 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, 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 only one path forward.”

Looking Ahead

The upcoming match 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. He commented: “Wednesday is another game so how should I respond, dwell on the loss? Certainly not, I’m going to go home and analyze how we can improve results and I trust that is what everyone is doing as well.”