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Virgil van Dijk has delivered a scathing evaluation of Liverpool's woeful title defence, confessing the title holders are in disarray and failing manager Arne Slot while doubting whether every player is taking responsibility for the team’s slump.

Van Dijk could not contain his anger after Saturday’s heavy loss at Anfield by Forest, a result that saw the Reds in the lower section of the Premier League table with a deficit in goals. Tom Werner was in attendance to witness Liverpool’s sixth defeat in seven league games, their eighth setback in 11 matches across every tournament, and a performance that unravelled against a Forest side that started the day in the relegation zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Defensive Lapses

The captain described Liverpool’s start to the second half as “unacceptable” and admitted “panic kicked in” as soon as the Forest player gave the visitors the advantage. The first goal was the ninth goal Liverpool have allowed from dead-ball situations in the current campaign.

“We had a great build-up to the match but in a fixture you are dealing with reality and the truth is we gave away a free-kick in the opening period and a terrible goal at the start of the second half,” stated 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 moment it is a mess – that’s just a fact.

Van Dijk’s Demands: Take Responsibility

Van Dijk usually speaks the media after a game as part of his role as team leader. This time was distinct, however. He spoke was much louder – so loud that any teammate in the Anfield tunnel could listen in – and he shook with anger while challenging the squad to respond. “You should be angry,” he insisted. “The main thing for me is that each individual has to be accountable.” When questioned whether this is occurring, he answered: “It's unclear. But it's essential. It’s the main thing I expect the boys to do. It's challenging during difficult times but we have to do it if we aim to recover of this.”

Squad Investment and Broader Issues

The Merseyside club spent almost £450 million to replenish a title-winning squad in the off-season but have regressed, with new arrivals failing to make an impact so far. The captain insisted that Liverpool’s problems extend past the recent additions. “It's difficult for all involved,” he said. “My expectation is for everyone to take responsibility on the field. We have to do that in order to motivate one another, to make each other better. When someone is pressing, you must join the press. These are fundamentals but they're lacking enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

The Dutchman added: “This season we don’t have any steady form, we concede excessive scores, we are being out-fought and all share the blame for it and I hope everyone sees that. It's vital to accept duty to reverse the situation and it is easy to assign blame but unity is essential. Past successes were collective and claimed the title and everyone was part of it, and during a tough time you have to stick together and avoid blaming others.

“You have to be a man and face the toughness and persist, repeatedly because surrendering is not an option then you are in the wrong environment in my eyes, because Liverpool has been going through numerous challenges over those years and we’ve consistently emerged 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 domestic league is a trip to West Ham next Sunday, after the midweek visit of PSV in the European competition. He said: “Wednesday is another game so what am I going to do, dwell on the loss? No, I'll return and analyze how we can turn this around and I trust that is what everyone is doing as well.”