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Virgil van Dijk has delivered a scathing evaluation of the club's woeful championship campaign, admitting the reigning champions are in disarray and letting down head coach Slot while questioning whether every player is taking responsibility for the team’s slump.

The Dutch defender could not contain his anger after Saturday’s heavy loss at Anfield by Nottingham Forest, a result that saw the Reds in the lower section of the Premier League table with a deficit in goals. The club's chair was in attendance to witness Liverpool’s latest loss in seven league games, their eighth setback in 11 matches across every tournament, and a display that unravelled against a opponent that started the day in the drop zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Defensive Lapses

The captain labeled Liverpool’s start to the second half as “unacceptable” and admitted “anxiety set in” as soon as Murillo gave the visitors the lead. Forest’s opener was the ninth concession Liverpool have allowed from dead-ball situations in the Premier League this season.

“We had a productive build-up to the match but in a fixture you are dealing with facts and the truth is we gave away a set piece in the first half and a terrible goal at the beginning after the break,” said the defender. “We are certainly letting him down, but we’ve disappointed ourselves as well. You look at yourself first and then you support teammates, you help each other get out of this crisis because at the moment it is a difficult situation – that’s just a fact.

Captain’s Challenge: Take Responsibility

The skipper typically addresses the media after a game as part of his duties as team leader. Saturday was different, however. His voice was more forceful – audible enough that any player in the Anfield tunnel could hear him – and he shook with anger while urging the dressing room 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, Van Dijk answered: “It's unclear. But it's essential. It’s the main thing I expect the boys to do. It’s not easy during tough periods but we must act if we want to get out of this.”

Squad Investment and Team Problems

Liverpool spent 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. The captain insisted that Liverpool’s issues go beyond the new recruits. “It’s tough for all involved,” he said. “My expectation is for everyone to take responsibility on the field. We have to do that in order to push each other, to make each other better. If a teammate presses, you have to follow the press. It’s basic things but they're lacking enough.”

Call for Unity

The Dutchman added: “This season we lack any steady form, we allow excessive scores, we are losing battles and all share the blame for it and I trust everyone sees that. We have to accept duty to turn this around and it is easy to point fingers but you have to do it together. We have been through it together and claimed the title and everyone was part of it, and during a tough time you have to stick together and not point fingers.

“Show character and face the toughness and go again, again and again because surrendering is not an option then you are at the wrong place in my eyes, because Liverpool has been enduring many adversity over recent seasons and we’ve consistently emerged of it. But it doesn’t mean it is straightforward, it’s exhausting but there is only one path forward.”

Next Fixtures

Next up in the Premier League is a trip to West Ham next weekend, after the Champions League fixture of PSV in the Champions League. He said: “The next game is another game so what am I going to do, go home and cry? No, I'll return and analyze how we can turn this around and I trust that is the collective focus as well.”