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Virgil van Dijk has issued a blunt evaluation of the club's disappointing title defence, admitting the reigning champions are in disarray and failing head coach Slot while doubting whether all squad members is taking responsibility for the current downturn.

Van Dijk struggled to hold back his frustration 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 observe Liverpool’s sixth defeat in seven league games, their eighth loss in 11 matches across all competitions, and a display that fell apart against a opponent that began the match in the relegation zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Defensive Lapses

The captain described 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. Forest’s opener was the ninth goal 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 facts and the facts are we gave away a set piece in the opening period and a terrible goal at the beginning after the break,” said Van Dijk. “We are certainly letting him down, but we’ve let ourselves down as well. Start with self-reflection and then you help each other, you help each other get out 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 match as part of his duties as Liverpool captain. Saturday was different, however. His voice was much louder – audible enough that any player in the stadium corridors could listen in – and he shook with anger while challenging the squad to react. “You should be angry,” he emphasized. “The key point for me is that everyone has to be accountable.” Asked whether this is occurring, Van Dijk replied: “It's unclear. But it's essential. That's crucial I expect the boys to do. It’s not easy during difficult times but we have to do it if we want to get out of this.”

Summer Signings and Broader Issues

Liverpool spent almost £450m to strengthen a title-winning squad in the summer but have gone backwards, with new arrivals failing to make an impact so far. The captain maintained that Liverpool’s problems go beyond the recent additions. “It’s tough for all involved,” he said. “My expectation is for each player to be answerable on the field. We have to do that in order to push each other, to improve collectively. When someone is pressing, you have to follow the press. It’s basic things but they're lacking enough.”

Call for Unity

Van Dijk continued: “This season we lack any consistency, 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. 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 face the toughness and go again, repeatedly because surrendering is not an option then you are at the wrong place in my view, because this club has been enduring many adversity over recent seasons and we’ve always come out of it. But it doesn’t mean 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 weekend, after the Champions League fixture of the Dutch side in the Champions League. Van Dijk said: “Wednesday is another game so what am I going to do, go home and cry? No, I'll go home and try to think how we can improve results and I trust that is the collective focus as well.”