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Virgil van Dijk has delivered a blunt evaluation of the club's disappointing title defence, admitting the reigning champions are in a mess and failing manager Arne Slot while questioning whether all squad members is taking responsibility for the team’s slump.

Van Dijk struggled to hold back his anger after the weekend's heavy loss at Anfield by Forest, a result that saw the Reds in the lower section of the top-flight standings with a deficit in goals. Tom Werner was in attendance to witness Liverpool’s latest loss in seven league games, their eighth loss in eleven fixtures across all competitions, and a display that unravelled against a opponent that started the day in the relegation zone.

Poor Second Half and Defensive Lapses

The captain labeled Liverpool’s start to the second half as “not good enough” and admitted “panic kicked in” as soon as Murillo gave Sean Dyche’s team the lead. The first goal was the ninth concession Liverpool have allowed from dead-ball situations in the current campaign.

“We had a productive three or four days’ preparation but in a game you are dealing with reality and the truth is we gave away a set piece in the opening period and a terrible goal at the beginning after the break,” said Van Dijk. “As a team, we're definitely failing the manager, but we’ve let ourselves down as well. Start with self-reflection and then you help each other, you work together to escape of this mess because at the moment it is a difficult situation – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Step Up

The skipper typically addresses the press after a game as part of his role as team leader. Saturday was different, however. He spoke was more forceful – audible enough that any teammate in the stadium corridors could listen in – and he shook with anger while urging the dressing room to react. “Anger is justified,” he emphasized. “The key point for me is that everyone has to take responsibility.” When questioned whether that is happening, Van Dijk answered: “I don’t know. But it's essential. It’s the main thing I want the players to do. It’s not easy during difficult times but we must act if we want to get out of this.”

Squad Investment and Broader Issues

Liverpool spent almost £450m to strengthen a title-winning squad in the summer but have gone backwards, with new arrivals struggling to contribute so far. Van Dijk insisted that Liverpool’s issues go beyond the new recruits. “It’s tough for all involved,” he said. “My expectation is for everyone to take responsibility 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 effort. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

The Dutchman added: “This season we don’t have any consistency, we allow far too many goals, we are losing battles and all share the blame for it and I hope everyone sees that. It's vital to accept duty to turn this around and it is easy to point fingers but unity is essential. We have been through it together and won the league and all contributed, and during a tough time 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 enduring numerous challenges over recent seasons and we’ve consistently emerged of it. But it doesn’t mean it is easy, it’s exhausting but there is only one path forward.”

Looking Ahead

The upcoming match in the domestic league is a visit to London Stadium next weekend, after the Champions League fixture of PSV in the European competition. He commented: “The next game is another opportunity so how should I respond, dwell on the loss? No, I’m going to return and analyze how we can improve results and I trust that is what everyone is doing as well.”