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Virgil van Dijk has delivered a blunt evaluation of Liverpool's disappointing championship campaign, admitting the reigning champions are in a mess and letting down head coach Slot while doubting whether every player is owning up for the team’s slump.

Van Dijk could not contain his anger after the weekend's heavy loss at Anfield by Nottingham Forest, a result that saw the Reds in the lower section of the Premier League table with a negative goal difference. The club's chair was in attendance to witness Liverpool’s latest loss in seven league games, their eighth loss in 11 matches across every tournament, and a performance that fell apart against a Forest side that started the day in the relegation zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Set-Piece Woes

Van Dijk described Liverpool’s opening after halftime as “not good enough” 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 allowed from dead-ball situations in the Premier League this season.

“We had a productive three or four days’ preparation but in a game you are facing reality and the truth is we gave away a set piece in the first half and a terrible goal at the beginning after the break,” stated the defender. “We are certainly letting him down, but we’ve disappointed ourselves as well. Start with self-reflection and then you support teammates, you work together to escape of this crisis because at the present time it is a difficult situation – that’s just a fact.

Van Dijk’s Demands: Take Responsibility

Van Dijk usually speaks the media after a game as part of his duties as Liverpool captain. Saturday was different, however. He spoke was much louder – audible enough that any player in the Anfield tunnel could hear him – and he shook with anger while challenging the squad to respond. “You should be angry,” he insisted. “The main thing for me is that everyone has to be accountable.” Asked whether that is happening, Van Dijk answered: “I don’t know. But it's essential. It’s the main thing I want the players to do. It’s not easy during tough periods but we must act if we aim to recover of this.”

Summer Signings and Broader Issues

The Merseyside club spent almost £450m to replenish a championship-winning team in the summer but have gone backwards, with new arrivals failing to make an impact so far. Van Dijk insisted that Liverpool’s issues go beyond the new recruits. “It’s tough for all involved,” he said. “My expectation is for each player to be answerable on the pitch. We have to do that in order to motivate one another, to make each other better. When someone is pressing, you have to follow the effort. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Call for Unity

The Dutchman continued: “This season we lack any steady form, we allow far too many goals, we are losing battles and everyone is responsible for it and I trust everyone sees that. It's vital to accept duty to reverse the situation and it is easy to point fingers but unity is essential. Past successes were collective and won the league and all contributed, and during a tough time 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 in the wrong environment in my eyes, because Liverpool has been enduring 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 only one path forward.”

Looking Ahead

Next up in the Premier League is a trip to West Ham next weekend, after the midweek visit of PSV in the European competition. He said: “Wednesday is another game 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 the collective focus as well.”