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The Liverpool skipper has issued a blunt assessment of the club'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 frustration after the weekend's heavy loss at Anfield by Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the bottom half of the top-flight standings with a deficit in goals. The club's chair was present at Anfield to observe Liverpool’s latest loss in recent outings, their eighth loss in 11 matches across every tournament, and a performance that unravelled against a opponent that started the day in the relegation zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Defensive Lapses

The captain labeled Liverpool’s start to the second half as “not good enough” and admitted “anxiety set in” as soon as the Forest player gave Sean Dyche’s team the advantage. The first goal was the ninth concession Liverpool have conceded from a set piece in the current campaign.

“We had a great build-up to the match but in a fixture you are dealing with reality and the facts are we gave away a set piece in the first half and a terrible goal at the start of the second half,” said the defender. “As a team, we're definitely failing the manager, but we’ve let ourselves down as well. Start with self-reflection 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 just a fact.

Van Dijk’s Demands: Take Responsibility

The skipper typically addresses the press after a match 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 hear him – and he shook with anger while urging the squad to respond. “Anger is justified,” he emphasized. “The key point for me is that everyone has to be accountable.” When questioned whether that is happening, he answered: “I don’t know. But you have to do that. It’s the main thing I want the boys to do. It’s not easy during difficult times but we have to do it if we aim to recover of this.”

Summer Signings and Team Problems

Liverpool spent almost £450 million to replenish a title-winning squad in the summer but have gone backwards, with several high-profile signings struggling to contribute so far. Van Dijk insisted that Liverpool’s problems extend past the recent additions. “It's difficult for everyone,” he said. “What I want is for each player to take responsibility on the field. We have to do that in order to motivate one another, to improve collectively. When someone is pressing, you must join the press. These are fundamentals but they're lacking enough.”

Call for Unity

Van Dijk continued: “This season we lack any steady form, we allow 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 reverse the situation and it is easy to point fingers but unity is essential. Past successes were collective and claimed the title and all contributed, and during a challenging phase you have to stick together and avoid blaming others.

“Show character and confront the hardship and go again, again and again because surrendering is not an option then you are in the wrong environment in my view, because Liverpool has been enduring numerous challenges over recent seasons and we’ve consistently emerged of it. However, that doesn't imply it is easy, it’s exhausting but there is no other way.”

Next Fixtures

Next up in the Premier League is a visit to London Stadium next Sunday, after the midweek visit of the Dutch side in the Champions League. Van Dijk said: “The next game is another opportunity so what am I going to do, dwell on the loss? Certainly not, I’m going to return and try to think how we can improve results and I trust that is what everyone is doing as well.”