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The Liverpool skipper has issued a blunt assessment of the club's disappointing championship campaign, admitting the title holders are in disarray and letting down head coach Slot while questioning whether all squad members is taking responsibility for the current downturn.

The Dutch defender could not contain his frustration after the weekend's 3-0 home defeat by Nottingham Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the bottom half of the top-flight standings with a negative goal difference. Tom Werner was present at Anfield to observe Liverpool’s latest loss in seven league games, their eighth setback in eleven fixtures across all competitions, and a performance that fell apart against a opponent that started the day in the relegation zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Defensive Lapses

The captain described Liverpool’s opening after halftime as “not good enough” and admitted “panic kicked in” as soon as Murillo gave Sean Dyche’s team the advantage. Forest’s opener was the ninth goal Liverpool have allowed from dead-ball situations in the current campaign.

“There was a great build-up to the match but in a game you are facing facts and the truth is we gave away a free-kick in the opening period and a terrible goal at the start of the second half,” said Van Dijk. “As a team, we're certainly letting him down, 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 difficult situation – that's the reality.

Van Dijk’s Demands: Take Responsibility

The skipper usually speaks the press after a match as part of his duties as Liverpool captain. This time was distinct, however. He spoke was more forceful – so loud that any player in the Anfield tunnel could hear him – and he shook with anger while urging the dressing room to react. “You should be angry,” he insisted. “The main thing for me is that each individual has to be accountable.” When questioned whether that is happening, he answered: “It's unclear. But it's essential. It’s the main thing I want the boys to do. It’s not easy during tough periods but we have to do it if we aim to recover of this.”

Summer Signings and Team Problems

Liverpool spent almost £450m to strengthen a title-winning squad in the off-season but have regressed, with several high-profile signings struggling to contribute so far. The captain insisted that Liverpool’s problems extend past the recent additions. “It’s tough for all involved,” he said. “My expectation 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 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 concede far too many goals, we are being out-fought and everyone is responsible for it and I hope this is recognized. We have to take responsibility to turn this around and tempting to assign blame but you have to do it together. We have been through it together and won the league and all contributed, and when you go through a challenging phase you must remain united and not point fingers.

“Show character and face the toughness and persist, repeatedly because if you want to give up then you are in the wrong environment in my eyes, because this club has been enduring many adversity over those years and we’ve consistently emerged of it. However, that doesn't imply it is straightforward, it’s tiring but there is no other way.”

Next Fixtures

The upcoming match in the Premier League is a trip to West Ham next Sunday, after the Champions League fixture of the Dutch side in the Champions League. Van Dijk commented: “The next game is another game so how should I respond, dwell on the loss? No, I'll go home and try to think how we can turn this around and hopefully that is the collective focus as well.”