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The Liverpool skipper has delivered a scathing assessment of Liverpool's disappointing title defence, admitting the title holders are in a mess and failing manager Arne Slot while questioning whether every player is taking responsibility for the current downturn.

The Dutch defender could not contain his frustration after Saturday’s heavy loss at Anfield by Forest, a result that saw the Reds in the bottom half of the top-flight standings with a deficit in goals. Tom Werner was in attendance to observe Liverpool’s sixth defeat in recent outings, their eighth loss in 11 matches across every tournament, and a display that unravelled against a Forest side that began the match in the drop zone.

Poor Second Half and Defensive Lapses

The captain labeled Liverpool’s opening after halftime as “unacceptable” and admitted “anxiety set in” as soon as the Forest player gave the visitors the advantage. The first goal was the ninth goal Liverpool have conceded from a set piece in the current campaign.

“There was a great build-up to the match but in a fixture you are facing facts and the truth is we gave away a free-kick in the opening period and a poor concession 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 support teammates, you help each other get out of this crisis because at the moment it is a mess – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Step Up

Van Dijk usually speaks the media after a game as part of his duties as Liverpool captain. This time was distinct, however. His voice was more forceful – so loud that any player in the stadium corridors could hear him – and he expressed visible fury while urging the dressing room to respond. “You should be angry,” he insisted. “The main thing for me is that each individual has to take responsibility.” When questioned whether this is occurring, Van Dijk answered: “It's unclear. But it's essential. It’s the main thing I want the boys to do. It's challenging during tough periods but we must act if we aim to recover of this.”

Summer Signings and Broader Issues

The Merseyside club spent almost £450 million to replenish a championship-winning team in the off-season but have regressed, with new arrivals failing to make an impact so far. Van Dijk insisted that Liverpool’s problems extend past the new recruits. “It’s tough for all involved,” he said. “My expectation is for each player to take responsibility on the pitch. This is necessary in order to motivate one another, to make each other better. If a teammate presses, you have to follow the press. It’s basic things but they're lacking enough.”

Call for Unity

Van Dijk continued: “This season we don’t have any consistency, we allow far too many goals, we are losing battles and everyone is responsible for it and I trust this is recognized. It's vital to take responsibility to turn this around and it is easy to assign blame but unity is essential. We have been through it together and claimed the title and all contributed, and when you go through a challenging phase you must remain united and avoid blaming others.

“Show character and face the toughness and go again, repeatedly because if you want to give up then you are at the wrong place 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 easy, it’s exhausting but there is only one path forward.”

Next Fixtures

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 what am I going to do, go home and cry? No, I’m going to return and try to think how we can improve results and I trust that is what everyone is doing as well.”