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Virgil van Dijk has delivered a blunt assessment of Liverpool's disappointing championship campaign, confessing the title holders are in a mess and letting down head coach Slot while questioning whether every player is taking responsibility for the current downturn.

The Dutch defender could not contain his frustration after Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat by Nottingham Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the lower section 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 loss in eleven fixtures across all competitions, and a display that fell apart against a opponent that started the day in the relegation zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Set-Piece Woes

Van Dijk labeled Liverpool’s start to the second half as “unacceptable” and admitted “panic kicked in” as soon as the Forest player gave the visitors the advantage. Forest’s opener was the ninth goal Liverpool have conceded from a set piece in the Premier League this season.

“There was a productive build-up to the match but in a game you are facing reality and the facts are we gave away a set piece in the first half and a terrible goal at the start of the second half,” said Van Dijk. “We are definitely failing the manager, but we’ve disappointed ourselves as well. Start with self-reflection and then you help each other, you work together to escape of this mess because at the moment it is a mess – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Step Up

The skipper usually speaks the media after a game as part of his role as Liverpool captain. This time was distinct, however. His voice was much louder – audible enough that any teammate in the stadium corridors could hear him – and he expressed visible fury while urging the squad to respond. “Anger is justified,” he emphasized. “The main thing for me is that each individual has to be accountable.” When questioned whether that is happening, Van Dijk answered: “I don’t know. But it's essential. That's crucial I want the players to do. It’s not easy during difficult times but we must act if we want to get out of this.”

Summer Signings and Team Problems

The Merseyside club spent almost £450m to strengthen 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 issues 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 field. This is necessary in order to push each other, to make each other better. When someone is pressing, you have to follow the press. These are fundamentals but they're lacking enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

The Dutchman added: “This season we lack any consistency, we concede far too many goals, we are being out-fought and everyone is responsible for it and I hope everyone sees that. It's vital to take responsibility to turn this around and it is easy to assign blame but unity is essential. Past successes were collective and claimed the title and everyone was part of it, and when you go through a tough time you have to stick together and avoid blaming others.

“You have to be a man and face the toughness and go again, repeatedly because if you want to give up then you are at the wrong place in my eyes, because this club has been enduring many adversity over those years and we’ve always come out of it. However, that doesn't imply it is straightforward, it’s exhausting but there is only one path forward.”

Looking Ahead

The upcoming match in the Premier League is a visit to London Stadium next weekend, after the Champions League fixture of the Dutch side in the European competition. Van Dijk said: “Wednesday is another opportunity so how should I respond, dwell on the loss? Certainly not, I'll return and analyze how we can turn this around and I trust that is what everyone is doing as well.”