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

Van Dijk struggled to hold back his frustration after Saturday’s heavy loss at Anfield by Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the bottom half of the Premier League table with a negative goal difference. Tom Werner was present at Anfield to observe Liverpool’s sixth defeat in seven league games, their eighth loss in 11 matches across all competitions, and a performance that fell apart against a opponent that started the day in the relegation zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Defensive Lapses

The captain described Liverpool’s opening after halftime as “unacceptable” and admitted “panic kicked in” as soon as the Forest player gave Sean Dyche’s team the advantage. Forest’s opener was the ninth concession Liverpool have allowed from dead-ball situations in the current campaign.

“There was a productive three or four days’ preparation but in a game you are facing facts and the truth is we conceded a set piece in the opening period and a terrible goal at the start of the second half,” stated Van Dijk. “As a team, we're certainly failing the manager, but we’ve let ourselves down as well. You look at yourself first and then you help each other, you work together to escape of this mess because at the present time it is a difficult situation – that’s just a fact.

Captain’s Challenge: Take Responsibility

Van Dijk usually speaks the press after a game as part of his duties as team leader. This time was distinct, however. His voice was more forceful – audible enough that any player in the Anfield tunnel could hear him – and he shook with anger while urging the dressing room to react. “Anger is justified,” he insisted. “The main thing for me is that each individual has to be accountable.” Asked whether that is happening, he answered: “I don’t know. But you have to do that. It’s the main thing I want the boys to do. It's challenging during difficult times but we have to do it if we want to get out of this.”

Squad Investment and Team Problems

The Merseyside club invested almost £450 million to replenish a title-winning squad in the off-season but have gone backwards, with new arrivals struggling to contribute so far. The captain maintained that Liverpool’s problems extend past the new recruits. “It's difficult for everyone,” he said. “What I want is for each player to be answerable on the field. We have to do that in order to push each other, to make each other better. When someone is pressing, you have to follow the effort. It’s basic things but they're lacking enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

Van Dijk added: “In the current term we lack any steady form, we allow 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 reverse the situation and tempting to point fingers 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.

“Show character and confront the hardship and go again, repeatedly because surrendering is not an option then you are in the wrong environment in my view, 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 straightforward, it’s tiring but there is no other way.”

Next Fixtures

The upcoming match in the Premier League is a trip to West Ham next weekend, after the midweek visit of the Dutch side in the Champions League. Van Dijk commented: “The next game is another opportunity so how should I respond, dwell on the loss? Certainly not, I'll go home and analyze how we can improve results and I trust that is the collective focus as well.”