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

Van Dijk could not contain his anger after Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat by 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 latest loss in seven league games, their eighth loss in eleven fixtures across all competitions, and a performance that fell apart against a opponent that started the day in the relegation zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Defensive Lapses

Van Dijk labeled Liverpool’s start to the second half as “not good enough” and admitted “anxiety set in” as soon as Murillo gave the visitors the lead. The first goal was the ninth goal Liverpool have allowed from dead-ball situations in the current campaign.

“There was a great build-up to the match but in a fixture you are dealing with facts and the truth is we gave away a set piece 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 support teammates, you help each other get out of this crisis because at the moment it is a mess – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Take Responsibility

The skipper usually speaks the media after a match as part of his duties as team leader. This time was distinct, however. He spoke was much louder – so loud that any player in the stadium corridors could listen in – 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.” Asked whether that is happening, he replied: “It's unclear. But it's essential. It’s the main thing I want 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 Broader Issues

Liverpool spent almost £450 million to strengthen a championship-winning team in the off-season but have regressed, with new arrivals struggling to contribute so far. The captain insisted 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 field. 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 don’t have any steady form, we allow far too many goals, we are being out-fought and all share the blame for it and I hope everyone sees that. It's vital to take responsibility to reverse the situation and it is easy to assign blame but unity is essential. Past successes were collective and won the league and everyone was part of it, and when you go through a tough time you have to stick together and avoid blaming others.

“Show character and face the toughness and go again, again and again because surrendering is not an option then you are in the wrong environment in my view, because this club has been enduring many adversity 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 only one path forward.”

Looking Ahead

Next up in the domestic 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 opportunity so how should I respond, go home and cry? Certainly not, I'll go home and try to think how we can improve results and I trust that is the collective focus as well.”