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

The Dutch defender could not contain his frustration after Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat by Forest, a result that saw the Reds in the lower section of the top-flight standings with a deficit in goals. The club's chair was present at Anfield to witness Liverpool’s latest loss in recent outings, their eighth loss in eleven fixtures across all competitions, and a display that unravelled against a opponent that began the match in the relegation zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Defensive Lapses

Van Dijk described Liverpool’s opening after halftime as “not good enough” and admitted “panic kicked in” as soon as the Forest player gave the visitors the advantage. The first goal was the ninth goal 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 game you are facing reality and the truth is we conceded a free-kick in the first half and a terrible goal at the beginning after the break,” said Van Dijk. “We are certainly letting him down, but we’ve let ourselves down as well. Start with self-reflection and then you help each other, you help each other get out of this crisis because at the moment it is a difficult situation – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Step Up

Van Dijk usually speaks the media after a match as part of his role as team leader. This time was distinct, however. He spoke was much louder – audible enough that any teammate in the Anfield tunnel could hear him – and he shook with anger while challenging the dressing room to respond. “Anger is justified,” he insisted. “The main thing for me is that everyone has to take responsibility.” Asked whether that is happening, 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 difficult times but we have to do it if we want to get out of this.”

Summer Signings and Team Problems

The Merseyside club invested almost £450 million to replenish a title-winning squad in the off-season but have regressed, with several high-profile signings failing to make an impact so far. Van Dijk maintained that Liverpool’s problems extend past the new recruits. “It’s tough for everyone,” he said. “What I want is for each player to take responsibility on the pitch. We have to do that in order to motivate one another, to improve collectively. If a teammate presses, you have to follow the effort. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

Van Dijk continued: “This season we don’t have any steady form, we allow far too many goals, we are being out-fought and everyone is responsible for it and I hope everyone sees that. We have to accept duty to turn this around and it is easy to assign blame but you have to do it together. We have been through it together and claimed the title and all contributed, and during a tough time you have to stick together and not point fingers.

“You have to be a man and face the toughness and go again, repeatedly because if you want to give up then you are at the wrong place in my eyes, because this club has been going through many adversity over those years and we’ve consistently emerged of it. However, that doesn't imply it is easy, it’s exhausting but there is only one path forward.”

Next Fixtures

The upcoming match in the Premier League is a trip to West Ham next weekend, after the Champions League fixture of the Dutch side in the European competition. He said: “The next game is another opportunity so what am I going to do, go home and cry? Certainly not, I’m going to return and analyze how we can improve results and hopefully that is what everyone is doing as well.”