Liverpool's Captain Admits Team is in a Mess, Challenges Teammates on Responsibility

Virgil van Dijk has issued a blunt assessment of Liverpool's disappointing title defence, confessing the reigning champions are in a mess and letting down manager Arne Slot while doubting whether all squad members is taking responsibility for the current downturn.

The Dutch defender could not contain his anger after Saturday’s heavy loss at Anfield by Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the lower section of the top-flight standings with a negative goal difference. The club's chair was in attendance to observe Liverpool’s sixth defeat in seven league games, their eighth setback in eleven fixtures across every tournament, and a display that unravelled against a Forest side that began the match in the drop zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Set-Piece Woes

Van Dijk labeled Liverpool’s start to the second half as “not good enough” and admitted “panic kicked in” as soon as the Forest player gave Sean Dyche’s team the lead. Forest’s opener was the ninth concession Liverpool have conceded from a set piece in the Premier League this season.

“There was a productive build-up to the match but in a game you are facing reality and the facts are we conceded a free-kick in the opening period and a terrible goal at the start of the second half,” 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 help each other, you work together to escape of this mess because at the present time it is a difficult situation – that’s just a fact.

Captain’s Challenge: Step Up

The skipper usually speaks the press after a match as part of his duties as team leader. This time was distinct, however. His voice was more forceful – audible enough that any player in the Anfield tunnel could hear him – and he shook with anger while challenging the dressing room to respond. “Anger is justified,” he insisted. “The main thing for me is that everyone has to be accountable.” When questioned whether that is happening, he answered: “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 want to get out of this.”

Summer Signings and Team Problems

The Merseyside club spent almost £450m to strengthen a title-winning squad in the summer but have gone backwards, with new arrivals failing to make an impact so far. Van Dijk maintained that Liverpool’s problems go beyond the recent additions. “It's difficult for everyone,” he said. “My expectation is for everyone to be answerable on the pitch. This is necessary in order to push each other, to make each other better. When someone is pressing, you must join the press. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

Van Dijk added: “In the current term we lack any steady form, we allow far too many goals, we are being out-fought and everyone is responsible for it and I hope this is recognized. It's vital to accept duty to turn this around 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 avoid blaming others.

“Show character and confront the hardship and persist, again and again because if you want to give up then you are at the wrong place in my view, 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 easy, 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 Champions League fixture of the Dutch side in the Champions League. He commented: “Wednesday is another game so what am I going to do, dwell on the loss? No, I’m going to go home and try to think how we can turn this around and I trust that is what everyone is doing as well.”