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The Liverpool skipper has issued a blunt assessment of the club's disappointing title defence, confessing the title holders are in a mess and letting down manager Arne Slot while questioning whether every player is owning up for the team’s slump.

The Dutch defender struggled to hold back his anger after Saturday’s heavy loss at Anfield by Nottingham Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the bottom half of the Premier League table with a deficit in goals. Tom Werner was in attendance to observe Liverpool’s latest loss in seven league games, their eighth loss in 11 matches across all competitions, and a display that unravelled against a Forest side that started the day in the drop zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Defensive Lapses

Van Dijk described Liverpool’s start to the second half as “unacceptable” and admitted “panic kicked in” as soon as Murillo gave the visitors the lead. The first goal was the ninth concession Liverpool have conceded from a set piece in the Premier League this season.

“We had a productive build-up to the match but in a fixture you are facing facts 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 the defender. “We are certainly letting him down, but we’ve disappointed ourselves as well. You look at yourself first and then you support teammates, you work together to escape of this crisis because at the present time it is a mess – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Step Up

Van Dijk typically addresses the media after a game as part of his duties as team leader. Saturday was different, however. He spoke was more forceful – so loud that any player in the Anfield tunnel could listen in – and he shook with anger while challenging the squad to respond. “You should be angry,” he insisted. “The key point for me is that each individual has to be accountable.” When questioned whether this is occurring, he answered: “It's unclear. But it's essential. That's crucial I want the players to do. It's challenging during difficult times but we must act if we want to get out 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 several high-profile signings failing to make an impact so far. Van Dijk maintained that Liverpool’s issues go beyond the new recruits. “It’s tough for all involved,” he said. “My expectation is for everyone to be answerable on the pitch. This is necessary in order to push each other, to make each other better. If a teammate presses, you have to follow the press. These are fundamentals but they're lacking enough.”

Call for Unity

Van Dijk added: “This season we lack any steady form, we allow excessive scores, we are losing battles and everyone is responsible for it and I hope everyone sees that. We have to take responsibility to turn this around and tempting to point fingers but you have to do it together. We have been through it together and claimed the title and all contributed, and during a tough time you have to stick together and avoid blaming others.

“Show character and face the toughness and go again, again and again because surrendering is not an option then you are in the wrong environment in my eyes, because this club has been going through many adversity over recent seasons and we’ve always come out of it. However, that doesn't imply it is straightforward, it’s tiring but there is only one path forward.”

Next Fixtures

Next up in the Premier League is a trip to West Ham next weekend, after the midweek visit of PSV in the European competition. Van Dijk said: “The next game is another game so how should I respond, dwell on the loss? No, I'll return and analyze how we can turn this around and hopefully that is the collective focus as well.”