🔗 Share this article

The Liverpool skipper has delivered a scathing evaluation of Liverpool's disappointing championship campaign, admitting the title holders are in disarray and failing head coach Slot while questioning whether all squad members is taking responsibility for the current downturn.

The Dutch defender could not contain his frustration after the weekend's 3-0 home defeat by Nottingham Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the lower section of the Premier League table with a negative goal difference. Tom Werner was present at Anfield to observe Liverpool’s latest loss in recent outings, their eighth setback in eleven fixtures across all competitions, and a performance that unravelled against a Forest side that began the match in the relegation zone.

Poor Second Half and Defensive Lapses

The captain described Liverpool’s start to the second half as “not good enough” and admitted “panic kicked in” as soon as Murillo gave the visitors the advantage. The first goal was the ninth goal Liverpool have conceded from a set piece in the current campaign.

“There was a productive three or four days’ preparation but in a fixture you are facing facts and the facts are we conceded a set piece in the first half and a poor concession at the start of the second half,” stated Van Dijk. “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 present time it is a difficult situation – that’s just a fact.

Van Dijk’s Demands: Step Up

The skipper usually speaks the media after a match as part of his duties as team leader. Saturday was different, however. His voice was much louder – audible enough that any teammate in the Anfield tunnel could hear him – and he shook with anger while urging the dressing room to respond. “You should be angry,” he insisted. “The main thing for me is that everyone has to be accountable.” When questioned whether this is occurring, he replied: “It's unclear. But it's essential. It’s the main thing I expect the boys to do. It’s not easy during difficult times but we have to do it if we aim to recover of this.”

Summer Signings and Broader Issues

Liverpool invested almost £450 million to replenish a championship-winning team in the off-season but have gone backwards, with new arrivals failing to make an impact so far. Van Dijk insisted that Liverpool’s problems go beyond the new recruits. “It’s tough for everyone,” he said. “What I want is for each player to be answerable on the pitch. We have to do that in order to push each other, to make each other better. When someone is pressing, you must join the effort. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Call for Unity

The Dutchman added: “This season we don’t have any consistency, we concede excessive scores, we are losing battles and everyone is responsible for it and I trust everyone sees that. We have to take responsibility to turn this around and tempting to point fingers but unity is essential. We have been through it together and claimed the title and all contributed, and during a challenging phase you have to stick together and not point fingers.

“Show character and face the toughness and persist, again and again because if you want to give up then you are in the wrong environment in my eyes, because Liverpool has been enduring many adversity over recent seasons and we’ve always come out of it. But it doesn’t mean it is easy, it’s exhausting but there is only one path forward.”

Next Fixtures

The upcoming match in the Premier League is a visit to London Stadium next Sunday, after the Champions League fixture of PSV in the Champions League. Van Dijk said: “The next game is another opportunity so how should I respond, go home and cry? Certainly not, I'll return and analyze how we can turn this around and hopefully that is what everyone is doing as well.”