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Virgil van Dijk has issued a scathing assessment of Liverpool's woeful championship campaign, admitting the title holders are in disarray and letting down manager Arne Slot while doubting whether every player is taking responsibility for the team’s slump.

Van Dijk struggled to hold back his anger after the weekend's 3-0 home defeat by Nottingham 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 sixth defeat in seven league games, their eighth loss in 11 matches across all competitions, and a performance that unravelled against a opponent that began the match in the relegation zone.

“Unacceptable” Start 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 the visitors the lead. Forest’s opener was the ninth concession Liverpool have allowed from dead-ball situations in the current campaign.

“We had a great three or four days’ preparation but in a game you are facing reality and the truth is we conceded a free-kick in the opening period and a poor concession at the start of the second half,” said Van Dijk. “We are definitely letting him down, 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 crisis because at the moment it is a difficult situation – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Step Up

The skipper typically addresses the press after a game as part of his role as Liverpool captain. This time was distinct, however. He spoke was much louder – so loud that any player in the stadium corridors could hear him – and he expressed visible fury while challenging the squad to respond. “Anger is justified,” he emphasized. “The key point for me is that each individual has to be accountable.” When questioned whether this is occurring, Van Dijk answered: “It's unclear. But you have to do that. That's crucial I expect the players to do. It's challenging during tough periods but we must act if we aim to recover of this.”

Summer Signings and Team Problems

Liverpool spent almost £450m to strengthen a championship-winning team in the summer but have regressed, with several high-profile signings failing to make an impact so far. Van Dijk insisted that Liverpool’s problems extend past the new recruits. “It’s tough for everyone,” he said. “What I want is for everyone to be answerable on the field. We have to do that in order to push each other, to make each other better. When someone is pressing, you have to follow the press. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

The Dutchman continued: “This season we lack any steady form, 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 reverse the situation and tempting to point fingers but unity is essential. We have been through it together and won the league and everyone was part of it, and when you go through a challenging phase you have to stick together and avoid blaming others.

“Show character and face the toughness and go again, again and again because surrendering is not an option then you are at the wrong place in my view, because Liverpool has been enduring many adversity over those years and we’ve consistently emerged of it. However, that doesn't imply it is easy, it’s tiring but there is only one path forward.”

Next Fixtures

Next up in the domestic league is a trip to West Ham next weekend, after the midweek visit of the Dutch side in the Champions League. Van Dijk commented: “The next game is another opportunity so how should I respond, dwell on the loss? Certainly not, I’m going to return and analyze how we can improve results and hopefully that is the collective focus as well.”