🔗 Share this article

Virgil van Dijk has issued a blunt evaluation of Liverpool's disappointing championship campaign, admitting the reigning champions are in disarray and letting down head coach Slot while doubting whether every player is owning up for the team’s slump.

Van Dijk struggled to hold back his frustration after Saturday’s heavy loss at Anfield by Nottingham Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the lower section of the top-flight standings with a negative goal difference. Tom Werner was present at Anfield to observe Liverpool’s sixth defeat in seven league games, their eighth loss in eleven fixtures across every tournament, and a display that unravelled against a opponent that began the match in the relegation zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Defensive Lapses

The captain described Liverpool’s start to the second half as “not good enough” and admitted “anxiety set in” as soon as Murillo gave Sean Dyche’s team the advantage. 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 facing reality and the truth is we gave away a free-kick in the first half and a poor concession at the start of the second half,” stated Van Dijk. “We are certainly 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 present time it is a mess – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Step Up

Van Dijk typically addresses the media after a match as part of his role as Liverpool captain. This time was distinct, however. His voice was more forceful – audible enough that any teammate in the Anfield tunnel could listen in – and he expressed visible fury while challenging 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: “I don’t know. But you have to do that. It’s the main thing I expect the boys to do. It's challenging during tough periods but we must act if we aim to recover of this.”

Squad Investment and Team Problems

Liverpool spent almost £450m to strengthen 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 issues go beyond the new recruits. “It’s tough for everyone,” he said. “My expectation is for everyone to be answerable on the pitch. We have to do that in order to motivate one another, to make each other better. If a teammate presses, you must join the effort. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

The Dutchman continued: “In the current term we don’t have any consistency, we concede far too many goals, we are losing battles and everyone is responsible for it and I trust this is recognized. We have to take responsibility 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 when you go through a tough time you must remain united and avoid blaming others.

“Show character and confront the hardship and persist, again and again because surrendering is not an option then you are in the wrong environment in my view, because Liverpool has been going through many adversity over recent seasons and we’ve consistently emerged of it. But it doesn’t mean it is easy, it’s exhausting but there is no other way.”

Next Fixtures

The upcoming match in the Premier League is a visit to London Stadium next Sunday, after the midweek visit of PSV in the Champions League. He said: “The next game is another game so how should I respond, go home and cry? No, I'll go home and analyze how we can turn this around and I trust that is what everyone is doing as well.”