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Virgil van Dijk has issued a blunt assessment of the club's woeful championship campaign, admitting the reigning champions are in disarray and letting down head coach Slot while questioning whether every player is taking responsibility for the current downturn.

Van Dijk could not contain his frustration after the weekend's 3-0 home defeat by Nottingham Forest, a result that saw the Reds in the lower section of the Premier League table with a deficit in goals. The club's chair was in attendance to witness Liverpool’s sixth defeat in seven league games, their eighth loss in 11 matches across every tournament, and a display that fell apart against a Forest side that began the match in the drop zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Defensive Lapses

Van Dijk described Liverpool’s opening after halftime as “not good enough” and admitted “anxiety set in” as soon as Murillo gave the visitors the lead. Forest’s opener was the ninth concession Liverpool have allowed from dead-ball situations in the Premier League this season.

“There was a great three or four days’ preparation but in a game you are dealing with facts and the facts are we conceded a free-kick in the first half 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 moment it is a difficult situation – that's the reality.

Van Dijk’s Demands: Take Responsibility

Van Dijk usually speaks the media after a game as part of his role as team leader. This time was distinct, however. He spoke was more forceful – so loud that any player in the stadium corridors could listen in – and he shook with anger while urging the squad to react. “You should be angry,” he emphasized. “The key point for me is that each individual has to be accountable.” Asked whether this is occurring, Van Dijk replied: “I don’t know. But you have to do that. That's crucial I expect the players to do. It’s not easy during tough periods but we have to do it if we want to get out of this.”

Summer Signings and Broader Issues

Liverpool spent almost £450 million to replenish a title-winning squad in the off-season but have regressed, with several high-profile signings failing to make an impact so far. Van Dijk maintained that Liverpool’s problems extend past the recent additions. “It’s tough for everyone,” he said. “My expectation is for everyone to take responsibility on the field. This is necessary in order to motivate one another, to improve collectively. When someone is pressing, you have to follow the press. These are fundamentals but they're lacking enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

Van Dijk continued: “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. We have to accept duty to reverse the situation and it is easy to point fingers but unity is essential. We have been through it together and claimed the title and all contributed, and when you go through a tough time you have to stick together and avoid blaming others.

“Show character and face the toughness and persist, repeatedly because if you want to give up then you are in the wrong environment in my eyes, because this club has been enduring many adversity over recent seasons and we’ve consistently emerged of it. However, that doesn't imply it is straightforward, it’s tiring but there is no other way.”

Next Fixtures

The upcoming match in the Premier League is a trip to West Ham next weekend, after the Champions League fixture of the Dutch side in the European competition. Van Dijk commented: “The next game is another opportunity so how should I respond, dwell on the loss? No, I'll return and try to think how we can improve results and hopefully that is the collective focus as well.”