Van Dijk Admits Team Faces Crisis, Questions Players on Accountability

Virgil van Dijk has issued a blunt assessment of the club's woeful title defence, admitting the reigning champions are in a mess and failing head coach Slot while doubting whether all squad members is owning up for the current downturn.

The Dutch defender struggled to hold back his frustration after Saturday’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 deficit in goals. Tom Werner was in attendance to observe Liverpool’s sixth defeat in seven league games, their eighth loss in eleven fixtures across all competitions, and a performance that unravelled against a Forest side that began the match in the relegation zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Defensive Lapses

Van Dijk labeled Liverpool’s start to the second half as “unacceptable” and admitted “anxiety set in” as soon as Murillo 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 build-up to the match but in a game you are dealing with facts and the facts are we gave away a free-kick in the opening period and a terrible goal at the start of the second half,” stated the defender. “We are definitely failing the manager, but we’ve let ourselves down as well. Start with self-reflection and then you help each other, you help each other get out of this crisis because at the moment it is a difficult situation – that's the reality.

Van Dijk’s Demands: Take Responsibility

Van Dijk typically addresses the media after a match as part of his duties as team leader. This time was distinct, however. He spoke was more forceful – so loud that any teammate in the Anfield tunnel could hear him – and he shook with anger while urging the squad to react. “You should be angry,” he emphasized. “The main thing for me is that everyone has to take responsibility.” When questioned whether that is happening, Van Dijk answered: “I don’t know. But it's essential. It’s the main thing I expect the players to do. It’s not easy during difficult times but we have to do it if we aim to recover of this.”

Summer Signings and Team Problems

The Merseyside club spent almost £450 million to replenish a title-winning squad in the off-season but have gone backwards, with several high-profile signings struggling to contribute so far. Van Dijk insisted that Liverpool’s problems extend past the new recruits. “It's difficult for everyone,” he said. “My expectation is for everyone to be answerable on the pitch. We have to do that in order to push each other, to improve collectively. If a teammate presses, you have to follow the effort. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

The Dutchman continued: “In the current term we lack any consistency, we concede 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 accept duty to turn this around and tempting to point fingers but you have to do it together. Past successes were collective and claimed the title and all contributed, and during a challenging phase you must remain united and avoid blaming others.

“Show character and face the toughness and persist, repeatedly because if you want to give up then you are at the wrong place in my eyes, because Liverpool has been enduring numerous challenges over recent seasons and we’ve consistently emerged of it. However, that doesn't imply it is easy, it’s exhausting but there is no other way.”

Next Fixtures

The upcoming match in the Premier League is a visit to London Stadium next weekend, after the midweek visit of PSV in the Champions League. He commented: “Wednesday is another opportunity so what am I going to do, dwell on the loss? No, I’m going to return and try to think how we can turn this around and hopefully that is what everyone is doing as well.”