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Virgil van Dijk has issued a blunt evaluation of Liverpool's woeful championship campaign, admitting the reigning champions are in disarray and letting down head coach Slot while doubting whether all squad members is taking responsibility for the team’s slump.

Van Dijk could not contain his frustration after Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat 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 in attendance to observe Liverpool’s latest loss in recent outings, their eighth setback in eleven fixtures across every tournament, and a display that unravelled against a opponent that started the day in the relegation zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Set-Piece Woes

The captain described 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 lead. Forest’s opener was the ninth concession Liverpool have allowed from dead-ball situations in the current campaign.

“We had a productive build-up to the match but in a game you are dealing with facts and the truth is we conceded a set piece in the first half and a terrible goal at the start of the second half,” stated Van Dijk. “As a team, we're definitely failing the manager, but we’ve disappointed ourselves as well. You look at yourself first and then you support teammates, you work together to escape of this crisis because at the present time it is a difficult situation – that's the reality.

Van Dijk’s Demands: Take Responsibility

The skipper usually speaks the press after a match as part of his role as Liverpool captain. Saturday was different, however. His voice was much louder – audible enough that any player in the Anfield tunnel could hear him – and he shook with anger while challenging the dressing room to react. “Anger is justified,” he insisted. “The key point for me is that each individual has to take responsibility.” 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 tough periods but we must act if we aim to recover of this.”

Summer Signings and Team Problems

Liverpool spent almost £450m to replenish a title-winning squad in the off-season but have regressed, 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 each player to be answerable on the pitch. 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 they're lacking enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

Van Dijk added: “This season we don’t have any steady form, we concede excessive scores, we are being out-fought and everyone is responsible for it and I hope this is recognized. We have to take responsibility to reverse the situation and it is easy to point fingers but you have to do it together. 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 not point fingers.

“You have to be a man and confront the hardship and persist, again and again 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.”

Looking Ahead

Next up in the Premier League is a visit to London Stadium next Sunday, after the midweek visit of the Dutch side in the European competition. Van Dijk commented: “The next game is another opportunity so what am I going to do, go home and cry? No, I’m going to go home and try to think how we can improve results and I trust that is what everyone is doing as well.”