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The Liverpool skipper has issued a scathing evaluation of Liverpool's woeful championship campaign, admitting the reigning champions are in a mess and letting down head coach Slot while doubting whether every player is taking responsibility for the team’s slump.

Van Dijk could not contain his anger after the weekend's 3-0 home defeat by Nottingham Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the lower section of the Premier League table with a negative goal difference. Tom Werner was in attendance to observe Liverpool’s sixth defeat in recent outings, their eighth loss in eleven fixtures across all competitions, and a performance that unravelled against a opponent that began the match in the drop zone.

Poor Second Half and Set-Piece Woes

The captain described Liverpool’s opening after halftime as “not good enough” and admitted “panic kicked in” as soon as the Forest player gave the visitors the advantage. Forest’s opener was the ninth concession Liverpool have conceded from a set piece in the current campaign.

“There was a great three or four days’ preparation but in a game you are dealing with reality and the facts are we conceded 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. You look at yourself first and then you support teammates, you work together to escape of this mess because at the present time it is a mess – that's the reality.

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 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 respond. “Anger is justified,” he insisted. “The main thing for me is that everyone has to take responsibility.” When questioned whether this is occurring, Van Dijk replied: “It's unclear. But it's essential. 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 aim to recover of this.”

Summer Signings and Broader Issues

The Merseyside club spent almost £450m to replenish a title-winning squad in the summer but have gone backwards, with several high-profile signings struggling to contribute so far. The captain maintained that Liverpool’s problems extend past the recent additions. “It’s tough for everyone,” he said. “What I want is for everyone to be answerable on the pitch. We have to do that in order to motivate one another, to make each other better. If a teammate presses, you have to follow the effort. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

The Dutchman added: “This season we lack any consistency, we concede far too many goals, we are losing battles and all share the blame for it and I hope everyone sees that. We have to accept duty to turn this around and tempting to point fingers but unity is essential. Past successes were collective and claimed the title and all contributed, and during a challenging phase you must remain united and avoid blaming others.

“Show character and face the toughness and persist, again and again because surrendering is not an option then you are in the wrong environment in my eyes, because Liverpool 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 tiring but there is only one path forward.”

Next Fixtures

Next up 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 opportunity so what am I going to do, dwell on the loss? Certainly not, I'll return and try to think how we can turn this around and hopefully that is the collective focus as well.”