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Virgil van Dijk has delivered a blunt assessment of Liverpool's disappointing title defence, confessing the title holders are in a mess and letting down manager Arne Slot while doubting whether every player is owning up for the current downturn.

The Dutch defender could not contain his anger 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 present at Anfield to observe Liverpool’s latest loss in recent outings, their eighth setback in eleven fixtures across every tournament, and a display that fell apart against a Forest side that began the match in the drop zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Set-Piece Woes

The captain labeled Liverpool’s opening after halftime as “not good enough” and admitted “anxiety set in” as soon as the Forest player gave Sean Dyche’s team the lead. The first goal was the ninth concession Liverpool have conceded from a set piece in the Premier League this season.

“We had a productive build-up to the match but in a fixture you are dealing with reality and the facts are we conceded a set piece in the first half and a poor concession at the start of the second half,” said the defender. “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 help each other, you help each other get out of this mess because at the moment it is a difficult situation – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Take Responsibility

The skipper typically addresses the media after a game as part of his duties as team leader. This time was distinct, however. His voice was much louder – so loud that any player in the stadium corridors could listen in – and he shook with anger while urging the squad to respond. “You should be angry,” he insisted. “The main thing for me is that each individual has to be accountable.” Asked whether this is occurring, he answered: “I don’t know. But you have to do that. That's crucial I expect the boys to do. It's challenging during tough periods but we have to do it if we want to get out of this.”

Squad Investment and Team Problems

The Merseyside club invested almost £450 million to replenish a championship-winning team in the off-season but have regressed, with several high-profile signings failing to make an impact so far. The captain maintained that Liverpool’s issues go beyond the recent additions. “It’s tough for everyone,” he said. “My expectation is for everyone to be answerable on the field. This is necessary in order to motivate one another, to improve collectively. If a teammate presses, you must join the effort. It’s basic things but it’s not happening 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 all share the blame for it and I hope this is recognized. It's vital to accept duty to turn this around and tempting 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 must remain united and avoid blaming others.

“You have to be a man and confront the hardship and persist, again and again because surrendering is not an option then you are at the wrong place in my view, because this club has been going through many adversity over those years and we’ve consistently emerged of it. But it doesn’t mean it is easy, it’s tiring but there is no other way.”

Next Fixtures

The upcoming match in the domestic league is a visit to London Stadium next weekend, after the Champions League fixture of PSV in the European competition. He commented: “The next game is another opportunity so how should I respond, dwell on the loss? Certainly not, I'll go home and analyze how we can turn this around and I trust that is the collective focus as well.”