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Virgil van Dijk has issued a blunt assessment of the club's disappointing championship campaign, admitting the reigning champions are in disarray and letting down manager Arne Slot while questioning whether all squad members is taking responsibility for the current downturn.

Van Dijk could not contain his anger after Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat by Nottingham Forest, a result that saw the Reds in the lower section of the Premier League table with a negative goal difference. Tom Werner was present at Anfield to observe Liverpool’s latest loss in recent outings, their eighth loss in eleven fixtures across all competitions, and a performance that unravelled against a Forest side that started the day in the drop zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Set-Piece Woes

The captain labeled Liverpool’s opening after halftime as “not good enough” and admitted “panic kicked in” as soon as Murillo gave the visitors the advantage. The first goal was the ninth concession Liverpool have allowed from dead-ball situations in the Premier League this season.

“We had a productive build-up to the match but in a fixture you are dealing with reality and the truth is we conceded a free-kick in the opening period and a poor concession at the start of the second half,” stated the defender. “As a team, we're definitely failing the manager, but we’ve disappointed ourselves as well. Start with self-reflection and then you help each other, you help each other get out of this mess because at the present time it is a difficult situation – that's the reality.

Van Dijk’s Demands: Take Responsibility

Van Dijk typically addresses the media after a match as part of his duties as team leader. Saturday was different, however. He spoke was more forceful – audible enough that any player in the Anfield tunnel could hear him – and he shook with anger while challenging the dressing room to react. “You should be angry,” he emphasized. “The main thing for me is that each individual has to take responsibility.” When questioned whether this is occurring, Van Dijk replied: “It's unclear. But it's essential. It’s the main thing I expect the players to do. It’s not easy during difficult times but we have to do it if we aim to recover of this.”

Summer Signings and Broader Issues

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. Van Dijk maintained that Liverpool’s problems extend past the new recruits. “It's difficult for all involved,” he said. “What I want 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 have to follow the effort. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

The Dutchman continued: “This season we don’t have any steady form, we concede far too many goals, we are being out-fought and everyone is responsible for it and I trust everyone sees that. It's vital to take responsibility to turn this around and tempting to point fingers but you have to do it together. Past successes were collective and claimed the title and all contributed, and when you go through a tough time you must remain united and avoid blaming others.

“You have to be a man and confront the hardship and persist, again and again because surrendering is not an option then you are in the wrong environment in my view, because this club has been going through numerous challenges over those years and we’ve always come out of it. However, that doesn't imply it is straightforward, it’s exhausting 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 Champions League. Van Dijk said: “The next game is another opportunity so how should I respond, dwell on the loss? No, I'll go home and analyze how we can turn this around and I trust that is the collective focus as well.”