🔗 Share this article

The Liverpool skipper has issued a scathing evaluation of Liverpool's disappointing title defence, confessing the title holders are in a mess and failing head coach Slot while doubting whether all squad members is taking responsibility for the team’s slump.

The Dutch defender struggled to hold back his frustration after the weekend's heavy loss at Anfield by Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the lower section of the Premier League table with a deficit in goals. Tom Werner was present at Anfield to observe Liverpool’s latest loss in seven league games, their eighth setback in eleven fixtures across all competitions, and a display that fell apart against a Forest side that started the day in the relegation zone.

Poor Second Half and Defensive Lapses

Van Dijk described Liverpool’s opening after halftime as “unacceptable” and admitted “panic kicked in” as soon as Murillo gave the visitors the advantage. The first goal was the ninth goal Liverpool have conceded from a set piece in the current campaign.

“There was a great build-up to the match but in a game you are dealing with reality and the truth is we conceded a set piece in the first half and a poor concession at the start of the second half,” said Van Dijk. “As a team, we're definitely letting him down, but we’ve let ourselves down as well. Start with self-reflection and then you help each other, you work together to escape of this mess because at the moment it is a mess – that’s just a fact.

Captain’s Challenge: Take Responsibility

The skipper typically addresses the media after a match as part of his duties as team leader. This time was distinct, however. His voice was more forceful – so loud that any player in the Anfield tunnel could listen in – and he shook with anger while challenging the dressing room to respond. “Anger is justified,” he emphasized. “The main thing for me is that everyone has to take responsibility.” When questioned whether that is happening, he replied: “It's unclear. But it's essential. It’s the main thing I want the players to do. It’s not easy during difficult times but we have to do it if we aim to recover of this.”

Squad Investment and Broader Issues

The Merseyside club spent almost £450m to strengthen a championship-winning team in the off-season but have gone backwards, with new arrivals failing to make an impact so far. Van Dijk insisted that Liverpool’s issues extend past the recent additions. “It's difficult for everyone,” he said. “What I want is for each player to be answerable on the field. We have to do that in order to motivate one another, to make each other better. If a teammate presses, you have to follow the effort. These are fundamentals but it’s not happening enough.”

Call for Unity

Van Dijk continued: “This season we lack any steady form, we allow excessive scores, we are being out-fought and everyone is responsible for it and I trust everyone sees that. It's vital to take responsibility to reverse the situation 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 tough time you have to stick together and not point fingers.

“Show character and confront the hardship 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 those years and we’ve always come out of it. However, that doesn't imply it is straightforward, it’s tiring but there is no other way.”

Next Fixtures

Next up in the domestic league is a trip to West Ham next Sunday, after the Champions League fixture of PSV in the European competition. Van Dijk commented: “The next game is another game so how should I respond, go home and cry? Certainly not, I’m going to return and try to think how we can improve results and I trust that is the collective focus as well.”