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Virgil van Dijk has delivered a blunt evaluation of Liverpool's disappointing title defence, admitting the reigning champions are in disarray and letting down manager Arne Slot while doubting whether all squad members is owning up for the current downturn.

The Dutch defender struggled to hold back his anger after Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat by Forest, a result that saw the Reds in the bottom half of the top-flight standings with a deficit in goals. Tom Werner was present at Anfield to witness Liverpool’s sixth defeat in seven league games, their eighth setback in 11 matches across every tournament, and a performance that fell apart against a opponent that began the match in the drop zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Set-Piece Woes

The captain labeled Liverpool’s opening after halftime as “not good enough” and admitted “panic kicked in” as soon as Murillo gave Sean Dyche’s team the lead. The first goal was the ninth concession Liverpool have conceded from a set piece in the Premier League this season.

“There was a great three or four days’ preparation but in a fixture you are dealing with reality and the truth is we gave away a set piece in the first half and a poor concession at the start of the second half,” said the defender. “We are definitely failing the manager, but we’ve disappointed ourselves as well. Start with self-reflection 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

The skipper typically addresses the press after a game as part of his role as Liverpool captain. This time was distinct, however. His voice was more forceful – audible enough that any player in the Anfield tunnel could hear him – and he expressed visible fury while challenging the squad to respond. “Anger is justified,” he emphasized. “The main thing for me is that each individual has to take responsibility.” Asked whether this is occurring, he answered: “I don’t know. But you have to do that. That's crucial I want the boys to do. It’s not easy during difficult times but we must act if we want to get out of this.”

Summer Signings and Broader Issues

The Merseyside club spent almost £450m to strengthen a title-winning squad in the off-season but have gone backwards, with new arrivals struggling to contribute so far. Van Dijk insisted that Liverpool’s problems extend past the new recruits. “It's difficult for everyone,” he said. “What I want is for everyone to take responsibility on the field. This is necessary in order to motivate one another, to make each other better. When someone is pressing, you must join the press. It’s basic things but they're lacking enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

Van Dijk continued: “This season we lack any steady form, we allow excessive scores, we are being out-fought and all share the blame for it and I hope everyone sees that. It's vital to take responsibility to turn this around and it is easy to point fingers but unity is essential. We have been through it together and claimed the title and everyone was part of it, and when you go through a tough time you must remain united and avoid blaming others.

“Show character and confront the hardship and go again, again and again because if you want to give up then you are at the wrong place in my view, because Liverpool has been going through 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 no other way.”

Looking Ahead

Next up in the Premier League is a trip to West Ham next Sunday, after the Champions League fixture of the Dutch side in the European competition. He said: “The next game is another game so how should I respond, dwell on the loss? No, I'll return and try to think how we can turn this around and I trust that is what everyone is doing as well.”