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The Liverpool skipper has issued a blunt evaluation of Liverpool's disappointing championship campaign, confessing the reigning champions are in disarray and failing head coach Slot while doubting whether all squad members is taking responsibility for the current downturn.

The Dutch defender struggled to hold back his anger after Saturday’s heavy loss at Anfield by Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the bottom half of the top-flight standings with a negative goal difference. The club's chair was present at Anfield to witness Liverpool’s latest loss in recent outings, 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 drop zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Defensive Lapses

Van Dijk labeled Liverpool’s start to the second half as “unacceptable” and admitted “panic kicked in” as soon as the Forest player gave the visitors the lead. The first goal was the ninth goal Liverpool have conceded from a set piece in the Premier League this season.

“There was a great build-up to the match but in a fixture you are facing reality and the truth is we gave away a free-kick in the first half and a terrible goal at the start of the second half,” said Van Dijk. “As a team, we're definitely failing the manager, but we’ve disappointed ourselves as well. You look at yourself first and then you help each other, you help each other get out of this crisis because at the present time it is a mess – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Take Responsibility

Van Dijk typically addresses the media after a game as part of his role as team leader. This time was distinct, however. His voice was more forceful – audible enough that any player in the Anfield tunnel could listen in – and he shook with anger while challenging the squad to react. “You should be angry,” he emphasized. “The key point for me is that each individual has to take responsibility.” Asked whether that is happening, he answered: “It's unclear. But you have to do that. 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 Team Problems

The Merseyside club spent almost £450 million to replenish a championship-winning team in the summer but have regressed, with new arrivals failing to make an impact so far. Van Dijk maintained that Liverpool’s problems go beyond the recent additions. “It's difficult for everyone,” he said. “What I want is for everyone to be answerable on the pitch. This is necessary in order to motivate one another, to make each other better. When someone is pressing, you have to follow the press. It’s basic things but they're lacking enough.”

Call for Unity

The Dutchman added: “This season we don’t have any steady form, we concede far too many goals, we are being out-fought and everyone is responsible for it and I hope this is recognized. We have to accept duty to turn this around and tempting 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 must remain united and not point fingers.

“Show character and confront the hardship and persist, repeatedly because if you want to give up then you are at the wrong place in my eyes, because Liverpool has been enduring numerous challenges over those years and we’ve always come out 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 domestic league is a visit to London Stadium next Sunday, after the Champions League fixture of PSV in the European competition. Van Dijk said: “The next game is another opportunity so what am I going to do, go home and cry? Certainly not, I’m going to go home and analyze how we can improve results and hopefully that is the collective focus as well.”