🔗 Share this article

The Liverpool skipper has delivered a scathing assessment of the club's disappointing title defence, admitting the title holders are in disarray and letting down head coach Slot while questioning whether every player is owning up for the team’s slump.

Van Dijk could not contain his anger after Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat by Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the lower section of the top-flight standings with a negative goal difference. Tom Werner was present at Anfield 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 Forest side that began the match in the drop zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Defensive Lapses

The captain described Liverpool’s start to the second half as “unacceptable” and admitted “panic kicked in” as soon as Murillo gave Sean Dyche’s team the lead. The first goal was the ninth goal Liverpool have allowed from dead-ball situations in the Premier League this season.

“There was a productive three or four days’ preparation but in a game you are facing reality and the facts are we conceded a set piece in the first half and a poor concession at the start of the second half,” stated Van Dijk. “We are definitely failing the manager, but we’ve let ourselves down as well. You look at yourself first and then you support teammates, you work together to escape of this mess because at the moment it is a mess – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Take Responsibility

The skipper typically addresses the media after a game as part of his role as team leader. This time was distinct, however. His voice was much louder – audible enough that any player in the Anfield tunnel could listen in – and he shook with anger while challenging the squad to react. “You should be angry,” he emphasized. “The main thing for me is that each individual has to take responsibility.” When questioned whether that is happening, he answered: “It's unclear. But it's essential. 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.”

Squad Investment and Team Problems

Liverpool spent almost £450 million to replenish a championship-winning team in the summer but have gone backwards, with new arrivals struggling to contribute so far. Van Dijk insisted that Liverpool’s problems go beyond the recent additions. “It’s tough for everyone,” 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 must join the effort. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Call for Unity

Van Dijk continued: “This season we lack any consistency, we allow excessive scores, we are being out-fought and all share the blame for it and I hope this is recognized. We have to take responsibility to reverse the situation and tempting to assign blame but you have to do it together. Past successes were collective and won the league and all contributed, and during a tough time you must remain united and avoid blaming others.

“You have to be a man and confront the hardship and go again, again and again because if you want to give up then you are in the wrong environment in my view, because this club has been enduring many adversity over recent seasons and we’ve consistently emerged of it. But it doesn’t mean it is straightforward, it’s exhausting but there is only one path forward.”

Looking Ahead

The upcoming match in the domestic league is a trip to West Ham next Sunday, after the midweek visit of PSV in the European competition. Van Dijk said: “The next game is another opportunity so what am I going to do, dwell on the loss? No, I'll return and analyze how we can turn this around and hopefully that is what everyone is doing as well.”