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Virgil van Dijk has delivered a scathing assessment of Liverpool's woeful title defence, admitting the reigning champions are in disarray and letting down manager Arne Slot while doubting whether all squad members is taking responsibility for the current downturn.

Van Dijk could not contain his anger after Saturday’s heavy loss at Anfield by Forest, a result that saw the Reds in the lower section of the top-flight standings with a deficit in goals. Tom Werner was in attendance to witness Liverpool’s latest loss in seven league games, their eighth loss in eleven fixtures across all competitions, and a performance that fell apart against a opponent that began the match in the drop zone.

Poor Second Half and Defensive Lapses

The captain 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 goal Liverpool have conceded from a set piece in the current campaign.

“We had a great three or four days’ preparation but in a fixture you are dealing with facts and the facts are we gave away a set piece in the opening period and a terrible goal at the beginning after the break,” said Van Dijk. “As a team, we're certainly failing the manager, but we’ve disappointed ourselves as well. You look at yourself first and then you help each other, you work together to escape of this crisis because at the present time it is a difficult situation – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Step Up

The skipper usually speaks the media after a game as part of his duties as Liverpool captain. This time was distinct, however. His voice was much louder – audible enough that any teammate in the stadium corridors could listen in – and he shook with anger while urging the dressing room to respond. “Anger is justified,” he insisted. “The main thing for me is that each individual has to take responsibility.” When questioned whether that is happening, he replied: “It's unclear. But it's essential. That's crucial I expect the players to do. It's challenging during difficult times but we must act if we aim to recover of this.”

Summer Signings and Broader Issues

The Merseyside club invested almost £450 million to strengthen a championship-winning team in the summer but have gone backwards, with several high-profile signings failing to make an impact so far. The captain insisted that Liverpool’s problems go beyond the recent additions. “It’s tough for all involved,” he said. “My expectation is for everyone to take responsibility on the field. This is necessary in order to push each other, to make each other better. If a teammate presses, you have to follow the press. These are fundamentals but it’s not happening enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

The Dutchman added: “This season we lack any consistency, we concede excessive scores, we are being out-fought and everyone is responsible for it and I trust everyone sees that. We have to take responsibility to turn this around 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 must remain united 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 view, because this club has been enduring many adversity over recent seasons and we’ve always come out of it. However, that doesn't imply it is straightforward, it’s tiring but there is only one path forward.”

Next Fixtures

The upcoming match in the domestic league is a trip to West Ham next Sunday, after the Champions League fixture of the Dutch side in the European competition. Van Dijk commented: “Wednesday is another game so how should I respond, dwell on the loss? Certainly not, I'll return and try to think how we can improve results and hopefully that is the collective focus as well.”