The Liverpool skipper has delivered a blunt evaluation of Liverpool's disappointing title defence, admitting the title holders are in a mess and failing manager Arne Slot while doubting whether all squad members is taking responsibility for the current downturn.
The Dutch defender could not contain his anger after Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat by Forest, a result that saw the Reds in the bottom half of the top-flight standings with a negative goal difference. Tom Werner was in attendance to witness Liverpool’s latest loss in seven league games, their eighth setback in 11 matches across every tournament, and a performance that unravelled against a Forest side that started the day in the relegation zone.
Poor Second Half and Defensive Lapses
Van Dijk described Liverpool’s opening after halftime 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 current campaign.
“There was a productive build-up to the match but in a game you are dealing with facts and the facts are we conceded a free-kick in the first half and a terrible goal at the start of the second half,” said the defender. “As a team, we're definitely failing the manager, but we’ve disappointed ourselves as well. Start with self-reflection and then you support teammates, you work together to escape of this mess because at the moment it is a difficult situation – 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. Saturday was different, however. He spoke was more forceful – audible enough that any teammate in the stadium corridors could hear him – and he expressed visible fury while urging the dressing room to respond. “You should be angry,” he emphasized. “The key point for me is that everyone has to be accountable.” When questioned whether this is occurring, he replied: “I don’t know. But it's essential. It’s the main thing I expect the players to do. It's challenging during difficult times but we must act if we want to get out of this.”
Summer Signings and Broader Issues
Liverpool spent almost £450 million to strengthen a title-winning squad in the off-season but have gone backwards, with several high-profile signings struggling to contribute so far. Van Dijk insisted that Liverpool’s problems extend past the recent additions. “It's difficult for all involved,” he said. “What I want is for each player to take responsibility on the pitch. This is necessary in order to motivate one another, to make each other better. When someone is pressing, you must join the effort. These are fundamentals but it’s not happening enough.”
Call for Unity
The Dutchman added: “This season we don’t have any steady form, we allow far too many goals, we are being out-fought and everyone is responsible for it and I hope everyone sees that. We have to accept duty to reverse the situation and tempting to assign blame 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 avoid blaming others.
“Show character and face the toughness and persist, again and again because surrendering is not an option then you are at the wrong place in my eyes, because Liverpool has been going through numerous challenges over recent seasons and we’ve always come out of it. However, that doesn't imply it is easy, it’s exhausting but there is only one path forward.”
Looking Ahead
Next up in the domestic league is a visit to London Stadium next weekend, after the midweek visit of the Dutch side in the Champions League. Van Dijk said: “The next game is another game so how should I respond, go home and cry? Certainly not, I’m going to return and analyze how we can improve results and I trust that is what everyone is doing as well.”
