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The Liverpool skipper has issued a scathing assessment of Liverpool's disappointing championship campaign, confessing the reigning champions are in disarray and failing manager Arne Slot while doubting whether every player is owning up for the current downturn.

Van Dijk struggled to hold back his anger after the weekend's heavy loss at Anfield by Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the lower section of the top-flight standings with a negative goal difference. The club's chair was in attendance to witness Liverpool’s latest loss in seven league games, their eighth setback in 11 matches across every tournament, and a display that fell apart against a opponent that started the day in the drop 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 advantage. The first goal was the ninth goal Liverpool have conceded from a set piece in the current campaign.

“We had a productive three or four days’ preparation but in a fixture you are facing facts and the truth is we gave away a set piece in the first half and a poor concession at the beginning after the break,” stated the defender. “As a team, we're definitely letting him down, but we’ve let ourselves down as well. You look at yourself first and then you help each other, you help each other get out of this mess because at the present time it is a difficult situation – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Take Responsibility

The skipper typically addresses the press after a game as part of his role as Liverpool captain. Saturday was different, however. He spoke was more forceful – so loud that any teammate in the Anfield tunnel could listen in – and he shook with anger while challenging the squad to respond. “Anger is justified,” he emphasized. “The main thing for me is that everyone has to take responsibility.” Asked whether this is occurring, he replied: “It's unclear. But you have to do that. That's crucial I expect the boys to do. It's challenging during difficult times but we have to do it if we want to get out of this.”

Summer Signings and Broader Issues

The Merseyside club spent almost £450m to replenish a title-winning squad in the summer but have gone backwards, with several high-profile signings struggling to contribute so far. The captain insisted that Liverpool’s issues go beyond the new recruits. “It’s tough for everyone,” he said. “What I want is for each player to be answerable on the pitch. We have to do that in order to push each other, to improve collectively. 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 don’t have any consistency, we concede far too many goals, we are losing battles and everyone is responsible for it and I hope everyone sees that. It's vital to accept duty to turn this around and tempting to assign blame but unity is essential. Past successes were collective and claimed the title and all contributed, and during a challenging phase you must remain united and not point fingers.

“Show character and confront the hardship and persist, repeatedly because surrendering is not an option then you are at the wrong place in my eyes, because this club has been going through numerous challenges over those years and we’ve always come out of it. However, that doesn't imply it is easy, it’s tiring but there is only one path forward.”

Next Fixtures

The upcoming match in the Premier League is a visit to London Stadium next weekend, after the Champions League fixture of the Dutch side in the European competition. He said: “The next game is another game so what am I going to do, go home and cry? No, I’m going to go home and try to think how we can improve results and I trust that is what everyone is doing as well.”