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The Liverpool skipper has issued a scathing evaluation of the club's woeful championship campaign, admitting the title holders are in a mess and failing head coach Slot while questioning whether all squad members is taking responsibility for the team’s slump.

The Dutch defender could not contain his frustration after the weekend's heavy loss at Anfield by Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the bottom half of the Premier League table with a negative goal difference. Tom Werner was present at Anfield to witness Liverpool’s latest loss in seven league games, their eighth setback in eleven fixtures across every tournament, and a performance that fell apart against a opponent that began the match in the relegation zone.

Poor Second Half and Set-Piece Woes

Van Dijk described Liverpool’s opening after halftime as “not good enough” and admitted “panic kicked in” as soon as the Forest player gave Sean Dyche’s team the advantage. Forest’s opener was the ninth concession Liverpool have conceded from a set piece in the current campaign.

“We had a productive three or four days’ preparation but in a game you are facing facts and the facts are we conceded a set piece in the opening period and a terrible goal at the beginning after the break,” said the defender. “As a team, we're definitely failing the manager, but we’ve let ourselves down as well. You look at yourself first and then you support teammates, you work together to escape of this mess because at the present time it is a mess – that's the reality.

Van Dijk’s Demands: 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 more forceful – audible enough that any player in the Anfield tunnel could hear him – and he expressed visible fury while challenging the squad to respond. “Anger is justified,” he insisted. “The key point for me is that each individual has to take responsibility.” Asked whether this is occurring, Van Dijk replied: “It's unclear. But it's essential. That's crucial I expect the players to do. It's challenging during tough periods but we have to do it if we aim to recover of this.”

Summer Signings and Team Problems

The Merseyside club spent almost £450 million to strengthen a championship-winning team in the off-season but have gone backwards, with new arrivals struggling to contribute so far. The captain maintained that Liverpool’s problems go beyond the new recruits. “It’s tough for all involved,” he said. “What I want is for everyone to be answerable on the field. This is necessary in order to motivate one another, to make each other better. If a teammate presses, you must join the press. It’s basic things but they're lacking enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

The Dutchman continued: “This season we don’t have any steady form, we concede excessive scores, we are losing battles and all share the blame for it and I hope this is recognized. We have to accept duty to turn this around and tempting to point fingers but unity is essential. We have been through it together and won the league and everyone was part of it, and during a tough time you must remain united and not point fingers.

“Show character and face the toughness and persist, repeatedly 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 those years and we’ve always come out of it. However, that doesn't imply it is straightforward, it’s exhausting but there is no other way.”

Looking Ahead

Next up in the domestic league is a trip to West Ham next weekend, after the Champions League fixture of PSV in the European competition. Van Dijk commented: “Wednesday is another opportunity so how should I respond, dwell on the loss? No, I'll return and analyze how we can improve results and I trust that is what everyone is doing as well.”