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The Liverpool skipper has issued a blunt assessment of Liverpool's disappointing championship campaign, admitting the reigning champions are in a mess and letting down manager Arne Slot while questioning whether all squad members is taking responsibility for the current downturn.

The Dutch defender could not contain his anger after the weekend's 3-0 home defeat by Nottingham Forest, a result that saw the Reds in the lower section of the Premier League table with a negative goal difference. Tom Werner was present at Anfield to observe Liverpool’s latest loss in recent outings, their eighth setback in eleven fixtures across every tournament, and a performance that unravelled against a opponent that began the match in the drop zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Defensive Lapses

The captain labeled 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. 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 game you are dealing with reality and the truth is we conceded a set piece in the opening period and a poor concession at the beginning after the break,” stated 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 help each other, you work together to escape of this mess because at the moment it is a mess – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: 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 more forceful – audible enough that any teammate in the Anfield tunnel could hear him – and he shook with anger while urging the dressing room to respond. “You should be angry,” he insisted. “The main thing for me is that everyone has to be accountable.” When questioned whether this is occurring, Van Dijk replied: “I don’t know. But you have to do that. That's crucial I want the players to do. It’s not easy during difficult times but we have to do it 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 summer but have regressed, with new arrivals struggling to contribute so far. Van Dijk insisted that Liverpool’s problems extend past the new recruits. “It’s tough for everyone,” he said. “What I want is for everyone 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 must join the press. These are fundamentals but they're lacking enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

The Dutchman added: “In the current term we don’t have any consistency, we allow far too many goals, we are losing battles and all share the blame for it and I trust this is recognized. We have to take responsibility to turn this around and it is easy 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.

“You have to be a man and confront the hardship and persist, repeatedly because if you want to give up then you are in the wrong environment in my view, because Liverpool has been enduring numerous challenges over recent seasons 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.”

Next Fixtures

Next up in the domestic league is a visit to London Stadium next weekend, after the Champions League fixture of the Dutch side in the European competition. Van Dijk commented: “The next game is another opportunity so what am I going to do, go home and cry? Certainly not, I’m going to go home and analyze how we can improve results and I trust that is the collective focus as well.”