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Virgil van Dijk has delivered a blunt assessment of the club's woeful title defence, confessing the title holders are in a mess and letting down manager Arne Slot while doubting whether all squad members is taking responsibility for the team’s slump.

The Dutch defender struggled to hold back his anger after the weekend's 3-0 home defeat by Nottingham 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 latest loss in recent outings, their eighth loss in eleven fixtures across every tournament, and a display that fell apart against a opponent that began the match in the relegation zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Set-Piece Woes

Van Dijk labeled Liverpool’s opening after halftime as “unacceptable” and admitted “anxiety set in” as soon as the Forest player gave Sean Dyche’s team the lead. The first goal was the ninth concession Liverpool have conceded from a set piece in the Premier League this season.

“There was a productive three or four days’ preparation but in a game you are facing facts and the facts are we gave away a set piece in the first half and a poor concession at the beginning after the break,” stated the defender. “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 present time it is a difficult situation – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Take Responsibility

Van Dijk typically addresses the press after a match as part of his duties as Liverpool captain. This time was distinct, however. He spoke was more forceful – audible enough that any teammate in the Anfield tunnel could hear him – and he shook with anger while challenging the dressing room to respond. “You should be angry,” he insisted. “The key point for me is that each individual has to take responsibility.” When questioned whether that is happening, Van Dijk replied: “It's unclear. But you have to do that. It’s the main thing I expect the boys to do. It’s not easy during difficult times but we must act if we aim to recover of this.”

Summer Signings and Broader Issues

The Merseyside club spent almost £450m to strengthen a title-winning squad in the off-season but have regressed, with several high-profile signings struggling to contribute so far. The captain maintained that Liverpool’s problems go beyond the new recruits. “It's difficult for everyone,” he said. “My expectation is for everyone to take responsibility on the field. This is necessary in order to push each other, to make each other better. When someone is pressing, you must join the press. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

The Dutchman added: “In the current term we lack any consistency, we concede far too many goals, 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 tempting to point fingers but you have to do it together. We have been through it together and won the league and everyone was part of it, and when you go through a tough time you must remain united and avoid blaming others.

“You have to be a man and face the toughness and persist, again and again because surrendering is not an option then you are at the wrong place in my eyes, because this club has been enduring 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.”

Looking Ahead

The upcoming match in the Premier League is a trip to West Ham next Sunday, after the midweek visit of PSV in the European competition. Van Dijk commented: “Wednesday is another opportunity so how should I respond, dwell on the loss? Certainly not, I’m going to go home and try to think how we can turn this around and I trust that is what everyone is doing as well.”