🔗 Share this article

Virgil van Dijk has issued a scathing evaluation of the club's disappointing championship campaign, admitting the title holders are in a mess and letting down head coach Slot while questioning 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 top-flight standings with a deficit in goals. Tom Werner was present at Anfield to witness Liverpool’s sixth defeat in recent outings, their eighth setback in eleven fixtures across every tournament, and a performance that fell apart against a opponent that started the day 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 the visitors the advantage. Forest’s opener was the ninth concession Liverpool have conceded from a set piece in the Premier League this season.

“There was a productive three or four days’ preparation but in a fixture you are facing reality and the truth is we conceded a free-kick in the opening period and a terrible goal at the start of the second half,” stated Van Dijk. “We are certainly failing the manager, but we’ve let ourselves down 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.

Van Dijk’s Demands: Take Responsibility

The skipper usually speaks the media after a game as part of his duties as Liverpool captain. This time was distinct, however. He spoke was much louder – so loud that any teammate in the stadium corridors could hear him – and he shook with anger while challenging the squad to react. “You should be angry,” he emphasized. “The main thing for me is that each individual has to be accountable.” When questioned whether this is occurring, he answered: “It's unclear. But it's essential. That's crucial I expect 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 spent almost £450m to replenish a championship-winning team 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 issues extend past the new recruits. “It's difficult for all involved,” he said. “What I want is for everyone to take responsibility on the field. This is necessary in order to push each other, to make each other better. If a teammate presses, you have to follow the press. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

Van Dijk continued: “This season we lack any steady form, we allow far too many goals, we are losing battles and all share the blame for it and I trust everyone sees that. It's vital to accept duty to reverse the situation and tempting to point fingers but you have to do it together. Past successes were collective and won the league and everyone was part of it, and when you go through a challenging phase you have to stick together and not point fingers.

“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 this club has been enduring many adversity over recent seasons 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.”

Looking Ahead

The upcoming match in the Premier League is a trip to West Ham next Sunday, after the Champions League fixture of PSV in the Champions League. Van Dijk commented: “Wednesday is another opportunity so how should I respond, go home and cry? No, I’m going to return and analyze how we can improve results and I trust that is what everyone is doing as well.”