🔗 Share this article

The Liverpool skipper has delivered a blunt evaluation of the club's disappointing championship campaign, admitting the title holders are in a mess and failing manager Arne Slot while questioning whether all squad members is taking responsibility for the current downturn.

Van Dijk struggled to hold back his frustration after the weekend'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 observe Liverpool’s sixth defeat in recent outings, their eighth setback in 11 matches across every tournament, and a performance that fell apart against a opponent that began the match in the relegation zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Set-Piece Woes

The captain described Liverpool’s opening after halftime as “unacceptable” and admitted “anxiety set in” as soon as the Forest player gave Sean Dyche’s team the advantage. The first goal was the ninth goal 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 game you are facing facts and the truth is we conceded a set piece in the opening period and a poor concession at the beginning after the break,” said the defender. “As a team, we're definitely letting him down, 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 crisis because at the moment it is a difficult situation – that’s just a fact.

Van Dijk’s Demands: Step Up

The skipper typically addresses the media after a match as part of his role as team leader. This time was distinct, however. He spoke was much louder – so loud that any player in the Anfield tunnel could hear him – and he shook with anger while urging the dressing room to respond. “Anger is justified,” he insisted. “The key point for me is that each individual has to take responsibility.” When questioned whether that is happening, he replied: “I don’t know. But it's essential. It’s the main thing I expect the boys to do. It’s not easy during difficult times but we must act if we want to get out of this.”

Squad Investment and Team Problems

Liverpool invested almost £450 million to strengthen a title-winning squad in the off-season but have gone backwards, with new arrivals struggling to contribute so far. Van Dijk maintained that Liverpool’s problems go beyond the recent additions. “It’s tough for everyone,” he said. “What I want is for each player to take responsibility on the pitch. We have to do that in order to motivate one another, to improve collectively. If a teammate presses, you must join the effort. These are fundamentals but it’s not happening enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

Van Dijk continued: “In the current term we lack any steady form, we allow far too many goals, we are losing battles and everyone is responsible for it and I trust this is recognized. We have to accept duty to reverse the situation and it is easy 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 during a tough time you must remain united and avoid blaming others.

“Show character and confront the hardship and persist, repeatedly because if you want to give up then you are in the wrong environment in my eyes, because this club 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 Premier League is a visit to London Stadium next weekend, after the Champions League fixture of the Dutch side in the European competition. He commented: “Wednesday is another opportunity so how should I respond, go home and cry? Certainly not, I'll go home and try to think how we can turn this around and hopefully that is the collective focus as well.”