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The Liverpool skipper has issued a blunt assessment of Liverpool's disappointing championship campaign, confessing the title holders are in a mess and letting down manager Arne Slot while questioning whether all squad members is taking responsibility for the current downturn.

Van Dijk could not contain his frustration after Saturday’s heavy loss at Anfield by Nottingham Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the bottom half of the top-flight standings with a negative goal difference. Tom Werner was in attendance to observe Liverpool’s latest loss in seven league games, their eighth setback in 11 matches across all competitions, and a performance that fell apart against a Forest side that started the day in the relegation zone.

Poor Second Half and Defensive Lapses

Van Dijk labeled Liverpool’s start to the second half as “not good enough” and admitted “anxiety set in” as soon as the Forest player gave the visitors the lead. The first goal was the ninth goal Liverpool have conceded from a set piece in the current campaign.

“There was a great build-up to the match but in a game you are dealing with facts and the truth is we gave away a set piece in the first half and a poor concession at the start of the second half,” said Van Dijk. “We are certainly letting him down, but we’ve let ourselves down as well. You look at yourself first and then you support teammates, you work together to escape of this mess because at the moment it is a difficult situation – that's the reality.

Van Dijk’s Demands: Step Up

Van Dijk usually speaks the media after a game as part of his role as Liverpool captain. Saturday was different, however. He spoke was more forceful – so loud that any player in the Anfield tunnel could listen in – and he expressed visible fury while urging the squad to react. “You should be angry,” he insisted. “The main thing for me is that each individual has to be accountable.” When questioned whether this is occurring, Van Dijk replied: “It's unclear. But it's essential. It’s the main thing I expect the players to do. It's challenging during difficult times but we have to do it if we aim to recover of this.”

Squad Investment and Broader Issues

Liverpool spent almost £450 million to strengthen a championship-winning team in the summer but have gone backwards, with new arrivals struggling to contribute so far. The captain insisted that Liverpool’s problems go beyond the recent additions. “It’s tough for everyone,” he said. “What I want is for everyone to take responsibility on the field. This is necessary in order to motivate one another, to make each other better. If a teammate presses, you must join the press. These are fundamentals but it’s not happening enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

The Dutchman continued: “This season we lack any steady form, we allow excessive scores, we are losing battles and all share the blame for it and I trust everyone sees that. It's vital to take responsibility to reverse the situation and it is easy to point fingers but unity is essential. Past successes were collective and claimed the title and everyone was part of it, and when you go through a challenging phase you must remain united and avoid blaming others.

“You have to be a man and confront the hardship and persist, repeatedly because if you want to give up then you are at the wrong place in my eyes, because Liverpool has been going through numerous challenges over recent seasons and we’ve consistently emerged of it. However, that doesn't imply it is easy, it’s tiring but there is no other way.”

Looking Ahead

Next up in the domestic league is a visit to London Stadium next Sunday, after the Champions League fixture of PSV in the European competition. Van Dijk commented: “Wednesday 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 turn this around and I trust that is what everyone is doing as well.”