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The Liverpool skipper has delivered a scathing assessment of Liverpool's woeful championship campaign, admitting the reigning champions are in a mess and failing head coach Slot while doubting whether all squad members is taking responsibility for the team’s slump.

The Dutch defender could not contain his frustration after the weekend'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 recent outings, their eighth loss in 11 matches across all competitions, and a performance that unravelled against a opponent that began the match in the drop zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Defensive Lapses

The captain labeled Liverpool’s start to the second half as “unacceptable” and admitted “anxiety set in” as soon as Murillo gave the visitors the advantage. Forest’s opener was the ninth concession Liverpool have allowed from dead-ball situations in the current campaign.

“We had a productive build-up to the match but in a game you are dealing with reality and the truth is we conceded a set piece in the first half and a poor concession at the start of the second half,” said Van Dijk. “As a team, we're certainly failing the manager, but we’ve disappointed ourselves 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 just a fact.

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. He spoke was much louder – so loud that any player in the stadium corridors could listen in – and he shook with anger while challenging the squad to react. “You should be angry,” he insisted. “The main thing for me is that everyone has to be accountable.” When questioned whether that is happening, he answered: “I don’t know. But you have to do that. It’s the main thing I expect the players to do. It’s not easy during tough periods but we have to do it if we want to get out of this.”

Squad Investment and Broader Issues

Liverpool invested almost £450m to replenish a championship-winning team 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. “My expectation is for everyone to take responsibility on the field. We have to do that in order to push each other, to improve collectively. When someone is pressing, you must join the effort. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

Van Dijk added: “This season we lack any steady form, we concede far too many goals, we are losing battles and everyone is responsible for it and I trust everyone sees that. We have to take responsibility to reverse the situation and tempting 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 challenging phase you have to stick together and avoid blaming others.

“Show character and confront the hardship and go again, repeatedly because surrendering is not an option then you are in the wrong environment in my eyes, because this club has been going through many adversity over those years and we’ve consistently emerged of it. However, that doesn't imply it is easy, it’s exhausting but there is no other way.”

Next Fixtures

Next up in the Premier League is a trip to West Ham next Sunday, after the midweek visit of PSV in the European competition. He said: “Wednesday is another opportunity so what am I going to do, go home and cry? No, I'll go home and try to think how we can improve results and I trust that is what everyone is doing as well.”