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The Liverpool skipper has issued a scathing evaluation of Liverpool'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.

Van Dijk could not contain his anger after Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat by Nottingham Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the lower section of the Premier League table with a negative goal difference. The club's chair was present at Anfield to witness Liverpool’s latest loss in recent outings, their eighth setback in 11 matches across every tournament, and a performance that fell apart against a opponent that began the match in the relegation zone.

Poor Second Half and Defensive Lapses

Van Dijk labeled Liverpool’s opening after halftime as “unacceptable” and admitted “panic kicked in” as soon as the Forest player gave Sean Dyche’s team the advantage. 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 dealing with facts and the facts are we conceded 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 definitely letting him down, but we’ve let ourselves down as well. You look at yourself first and then you support teammates, you help each other get out of this mess because at the present time it is a mess – that’s just a fact.

Van Dijk’s Demands: Step Up

Van Dijk usually speaks the press after a game as part of his role as team leader. Saturday was different, however. His voice was more forceful – so loud that any teammate in the stadium corridors could listen in – and he expressed visible fury while challenging the dressing room to respond. “You should be angry,” he emphasized. “The main thing for me is that everyone has to be accountable.” Asked whether that is happening, he answered: “It's unclear. But it's essential. That's crucial I want the players to do. It’s not easy during difficult times but we must act if we want to get out of this.”

Summer Signings and Team Problems

The Merseyside club spent 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 insisted that Liverpool’s problems extend past the recent additions. “It's difficult for all involved,” he said. “What I want is for each player to take responsibility on the field. This is necessary in order to motivate one another, to improve collectively. If a teammate presses, you must join the press. These are fundamentals but it’s not happening enough.”

Call for Unity

Van Dijk added: “This season we lack any consistency, we concede far too many goals, we are losing battles and everyone is responsible for it and I hope this is recognized. It's vital to accept duty to turn this around and tempting to point fingers but unity is essential. Past successes were collective and claimed the title and all contributed, and when you go through a tough time you have to stick together and not point fingers.

“Show character and face the toughness and go again, repeatedly because if you want to give up then you are at the wrong place in my view, because Liverpool has been going through many adversity over those years and we’ve always come out of it. However, that doesn't imply it is straightforward, it’s exhausting but there is only one path forward.”

Looking Ahead

Next up in the domestic league is a trip to West Ham next Sunday, after the Champions League fixture of PSV in the Champions League. He said: “Wednesday is another game so what am I going to do, dwell on the loss? No, I’m going to return and analyze how we can improve results and hopefully that is the collective focus as well.”