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The Liverpool skipper has issued a scathing evaluation of Liverpool's disappointing championship campaign, admitting the title holders are in disarray and failing manager Arne Slot while doubting whether all squad members is taking responsibility for the team’s slump.

Van Dijk could not contain his frustration after the weekend's heavy loss at Anfield by Nottingham Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the bottom half of the Premier League table with a negative goal difference. Tom Werner was in attendance to observe Liverpool’s latest loss in recent outings, their eighth setback in eleven fixtures across all competitions, and a display that unravelled against a opponent that started the day in the relegation zone.

Poor Second Half and Set-Piece Woes

The captain labeled Liverpool’s start to the second half as “not good enough” and admitted “panic kicked in” as soon as the Forest player gave the visitors the lead. Forest’s opener was the ninth concession Liverpool have conceded from a set piece in the Premier League this season.

“We had a great three or four days’ preparation but in a game you are dealing with reality and the facts are we gave away a free-kick in the first half and a terrible goal at the beginning after the break,” stated Van Dijk. “As a team, we're certainly letting him down, but we’ve disappointed ourselves as well. Start with self-reflection and then you support teammates, you work together to escape of this crisis because at the present time it is a difficult situation – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Step Up

The skipper typically addresses the media after a game as part of his duties as Liverpool captain. This time was distinct, however. He spoke was much louder – audible enough that any player in the Anfield tunnel could listen in – and he shook with anger while challenging the dressing room to respond. “Anger is justified,” he insisted. “The main thing for me is that everyone has to be accountable.” When questioned whether that is happening, Van Dijk answered: “It's unclear. But you have to do that. It’s the main thing I want 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 invested almost £450m to replenish a title-winning squad in the off-season but have gone backwards, with several high-profile signings failing to make an impact so far. The captain maintained that Liverpool’s problems extend past the recent additions. “It’s tough for all involved,” he said. “What I want is for each player to take responsibility on the pitch. We have to do that in order to motivate one another, to make each other better. If a teammate presses, you have to follow the effort. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Call for Unity

Van Dijk added: “In the current term we lack any consistency, we concede excessive scores, we are being out-fought and all share the blame for it and I hope this is recognized. It's vital to take responsibility to turn this around and tempting to assign blame but unity is essential. Past successes were collective and won the league and all contributed, and when you go through a challenging phase you must remain united and avoid blaming others.

“Show character and face the toughness and go again, again and again 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. But it doesn’t mean it is straightforward, it’s exhausting but there is no other way.”

Next Fixtures

The upcoming match in the domestic league is a trip to West Ham next weekend, after the Champions League fixture of the Dutch side in the European competition. He commented: “The next game is another opportunity so what am I going to do, go home and cry? Certainly not, I'll return and analyze how we can turn this around and I trust that is what everyone is doing as well.”