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The Liverpool skipper has delivered a scathing evaluation of Liverpool's woeful title defence, confessing the title holders are in a mess and letting down manager Arne Slot while questioning whether every player is taking responsibility for the current downturn.

The Dutch defender could not contain his anger after Saturday’s heavy loss at Anfield by Nottingham Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the lower section of the Premier League table with a deficit in goals. The club's chair was present at Anfield to witness Liverpool’s sixth defeat in seven league games, their eighth setback in eleven fixtures across all competitions, and a performance that fell apart against a Forest side that started the day in the relegation zone.

Poor Second Half and Set-Piece Woes

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. The first goal was the ninth concession Liverpool have allowed from dead-ball situations in the Premier League this season.

“We had a productive three or four days’ preparation but in a fixture you are facing facts and the facts are we conceded a free-kick in the first half and a poor concession at the start of the second half,” said the defender. “As a team, we're certainly failing the manager, but we’ve let ourselves down as well. Start with self-reflection and then you help each other, you work together to escape of this mess because at the present time it is a mess – that’s just a fact.

Van Dijk’s Demands: Take Responsibility

Van Dijk typically addresses the press 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 expressed visible fury while urging the dressing room to react. “You should be angry,” he emphasized. “The main thing for me is that everyone has to take responsibility.” When questioned whether this is occurring, he replied: “I don’t know. But it's essential. It’s the main thing I want the players to do. It's challenging during difficult times but we have to do it if we aim to recover of this.”

Squad Investment and Team Problems

Liverpool spent almost £450m to replenish a championship-winning team in the off-season but have gone backwards, with new arrivals struggling to contribute so far. The captain maintained that Liverpool’s problems extend past the recent additions. “It’s tough for all involved,” he said. “What I want is for everyone to take responsibility on the field. We have to do that in order to motivate one another, to improve collectively. If a teammate presses, you have to follow the effort. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

The Dutchman added: “This season we lack any steady form, we allow 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 point fingers but unity is essential. We have been through it together and won the league and all contributed, and when you go through a tough time you must remain united and avoid blaming others.

“Show character and confront the hardship and persist, repeatedly because if you want to give up then you are at the wrong place in my view, 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 exhausting but there is no other way.”

Looking Ahead

Next up in the domestic league is a visit to London Stadium next weekend, after the Champions League fixture of PSV in the Champions League. Van Dijk said: “The next game is another game so how should I respond, dwell on the loss? No, I'll return and try to think how we can turn this around and hopefully that is what everyone is doing as well.”