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The Liverpool skipper has issued a scathing assessment of the club's disappointing title defence, confessing the reigning champions are in disarray and failing head coach Slot while doubting whether every player is taking responsibility for the team’s slump.

Van Dijk could not contain his anger after Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat by Nottingham Forest, a result that saw the Reds in the bottom half of the top-flight standings with a deficit in goals. The club's chair was in attendance to witness Liverpool’s sixth defeat in recent outings, their eighth setback in 11 matches across every tournament, and a display that unravelled against a Forest side that started the day in the drop zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Set-Piece Woes

Van Dijk described Liverpool’s start to the second half as “not good enough” and admitted “anxiety set in” as soon as Murillo gave Sean Dyche’s team the lead. Forest’s opener was the ninth concession Liverpool have conceded from a set piece in the Premier League this season.

“There was a productive build-up to the match but in a game you are dealing with facts and the facts are we gave away a free-kick in the first half and a poor concession at the start of the second half,” said Van Dijk. “As a team, we're definitely failing the manager, 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 crisis because at the present time it is a mess – that’s just a fact.

Captain’s Challenge: Step Up

Van Dijk typically addresses 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 teammate in the Anfield tunnel could listen in – and he shook with anger while urging the dressing room to respond. “You should be angry,” he emphasized. “The key point for me is that each individual has to take responsibility.” When questioned whether this is occurring, Van Dijk answered: “I don’t know. But it's essential. It’s the main thing I want the boys to do. It's challenging during tough periods but we have to do it if we aim to recover of this.”

Summer Signings and Broader Issues

Liverpool invested almost £450m to strengthen a title-winning squad in the summer but have regressed, with new arrivals struggling to contribute so far. Van Dijk insisted that Liverpool’s problems extend past the recent additions. “It's difficult 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 effort. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Call for Unity

Van Dijk added: “This season we lack any steady form, we concede excessive scores, we are losing battles and everyone is responsible for it and I trust this is recognized. We have to take responsibility to turn this around 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 challenging phase you have to stick together and avoid blaming others.

“You have to be a man and face the toughness and persist, again and again because surrendering is not an option then you are in the wrong environment in my eyes, because this club has been enduring numerous challenges over recent seasons and we’ve consistently emerged of it. However, that doesn't imply it is straightforward, it’s tiring but there is only one path forward.”

Looking Ahead

Next up in the Premier League is a visit to London Stadium next Sunday, after the Champions League fixture of the Dutch side in the Champions League. Van Dijk said: “Wednesday is another game so how should I respond, dwell on the loss? No, I’m going to return and analyze how we can turn this around and hopefully that is the collective focus as well.”