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The Liverpool skipper has issued a scathing evaluation of the club's disappointing title defence, confessing the reigning champions are in disarray and failing head coach Slot while doubting whether all squad members is owning up for the current downturn.

The Dutch defender could not contain his anger after the weekend's 3-0 home defeat by Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the bottom half of the Premier League table with a negative goal difference. The club's chair was in attendance to witness Liverpool’s sixth defeat in recent outings, their eighth loss in 11 matches across every tournament, and a performance 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 “unacceptable” and admitted “panic kicked 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.

“We had a great three or four days’ preparation but in a fixture you are facing facts and the facts are we gave away a free-kick in the first half and a poor concession at the beginning after the break,” said Van Dijk. “As a team, we're certainly letting him down, 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 difficult situation – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Take Responsibility

Van Dijk typically addresses the press after a match as part of his duties as Liverpool captain. Saturday was different, however. His voice was more forceful – audible enough that any teammate in the stadium corridors could hear him – and he shook with anger while urging the dressing room to react. “Anger is justified,” he emphasized. “The main thing for me is that everyone has to be accountable.” Asked whether this is occurring, he answered: “It's unclear. But it's essential. It’s the main thing I expect the players to do. It’s not easy during tough periods but we must act if we aim to recover of this.”

Squad Investment and Broader Issues

Liverpool spent almost £450m 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 issues go beyond the new recruits. “It’s tough for everyone,” he said. “My expectation is for each player to take responsibility on the pitch. 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: “In the current term we don’t have any consistency, we allow far too many goals, we are being out-fought and everyone is responsible for it and I hope this is recognized. It's vital to accept duty to turn this around and it is easy to point fingers but unity is essential. 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 not point fingers.

“Show character and face the toughness and go again, again and again because surrendering is not an option then you are at the wrong place in my eyes, because this club has been going through numerous challenges over recent seasons and we’ve always come out of it. But it doesn’t mean it is straightforward, it’s tiring but there is only one path forward.”

Looking Ahead

Next up in the domestic league is a visit to London Stadium next weekend, after the midweek visit of PSV in the European competition. He said: “Wednesday is another opportunity so what am I going to do, go home and cry? Certainly not, I'll go home and analyze how we can turn this around and hopefully that is what everyone is doing as well.”