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The Liverpool skipper has issued a blunt assessment of the club's disappointing championship campaign, admitting the reigning champions are in a mess and failing manager Arne Slot while doubting whether every player is taking responsibility for the current downturn.

The Dutch defender could not contain his frustration after Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat by Nottingham Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the lower section of the top-flight standings with a deficit in goals. Tom Werner was in attendance to observe Liverpool’s latest loss in recent outings, their eighth loss in 11 matches across every tournament, and a performance that unravelled against a opponent that started the day in the relegation zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Set-Piece Woes

Van Dijk labeled Liverpool’s opening after halftime as “unacceptable” and admitted “anxiety set 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 dealing with reality and the facts are we gave away a free-kick in the first half and a terrible goal at the start of the second half,” said the defender. “We are definitely letting him down, but we’ve let ourselves down as well. You look at yourself first and then you help each other, you help each other get out 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 press after a match as part of his duties as Liverpool captain. Saturday was different, however. His voice was more forceful – so loud that any player 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 key point for me is that each individual has to be accountable.” Asked whether this is occurring, he replied: “I don’t know. But it's essential. That's crucial I want the boys to do. It's challenging during difficult times but we must act if we want to get out of this.”

Summer Signings and Broader Issues

Liverpool spent almost £450 million to replenish a title-winning squad in the summer but have gone backwards, with new arrivals struggling to contribute so far. The captain insisted that Liverpool’s issues go beyond the new recruits. “It’s tough for all involved,” he said. “My expectation is for each player to be answerable on the pitch. This is necessary in order to push each other, to improve collectively. If a teammate presses, you have to follow the press. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

The Dutchman added: “This season we lack any consistency, we concede far too many goals, we are losing battles and everyone is responsible for it and I hope this is recognized. We have to accept duty to turn this around and tempting to assign blame but unity is essential. 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.

“Show character and confront the hardship and persist, repeatedly because surrendering is not an option then you are in the wrong environment in my view, because Liverpool has been enduring numerous challenges over those years 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 domestic league is a trip to West Ham next weekend, after the Champions League fixture of PSV in the European competition. Van Dijk said: “Wednesday is another game so what am I going to do, dwell on the loss? Certainly not, I'll return and analyze how we can turn this around and I trust that is what everyone is doing as well.”