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The Liverpool skipper has delivered a scathing assessment of Liverpool's woeful title defence, admitting the title holders are in a mess and letting down head coach Slot while doubting whether every player is owning up for the current downturn.

Van Dijk could not contain his frustration after Saturday’s heavy loss at Anfield by Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the bottom half of the top-flight standings with a deficit in goals. Tom Werner was present at Anfield to witness Liverpool’s sixth defeat in recent outings, their eighth setback in eleven fixtures across all competitions, and a display that fell apart against a opponent that started the day in the relegation zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Set-Piece Woes

Van Dijk labeled Liverpool’s start to the second half as “not good enough” and admitted “panic kicked in” as soon as Murillo gave the visitors the lead. The first goal was the ninth concession Liverpool have allowed from dead-ball situations in the Premier League this season.

“We had a productive three or four days’ preparation 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. “We are certainly 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 mess because at the moment it is a mess – that’s just a fact.

Van Dijk’s Demands: Step Up

The skipper usually speaks the press after a match as part of his role as Liverpool captain. Saturday was different, however. His voice was much louder – audible enough that any player in the Anfield tunnel could hear him – and he expressed visible fury while urging the squad to respond. “Anger is justified,” he emphasized. “The main thing for me is that everyone has to take responsibility.” When questioned whether that is happening, Van Dijk answered: “It's unclear. But it's essential. That's crucial I expect the boys to do. It’s not easy during difficult times but we must act if we aim to recover of this.”

Squad Investment and Broader Issues

Liverpool spent almost £450 million to strengthen a title-winning squad in the summer but have regressed, with new arrivals failing to make an impact so far. Van Dijk insisted that Liverpool’s issues extend past the new recruits. “It’s tough for everyone,” he said. “What I want is for each player to be answerable on the pitch. We have to do that in order to push each other, to make each other better. If a teammate presses, you have to follow the press. These are fundamentals but it’s not happening enough.”

Call for Unity

Van Dijk continued: “This season we lack any steady form, we concede excessive scores, we are being out-fought and everyone is responsible for it and I trust this is recognized. It's vital to accept duty to turn this around and it is easy to point fingers but you have to do it together. We have been through it together and claimed the title and everyone was part of it, and when you go through a challenging phase you must remain united and not point fingers.

“You have to be a man and face the toughness and go again, repeatedly because if you want to give up then you are in the wrong environment in my eyes, because Liverpool has been going through numerous challenges over recent seasons 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.”

Next Fixtures

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 Champions League. He said: “The next game is another opportunity so what am I going to do, go home and cry? Certainly not, I’m going to go home and try to think how we can improve results and hopefully that is what everyone is doing as well.”