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Virgil van Dijk has delivered a blunt evaluation of Liverpool's disappointing championship campaign, admitting the title holders are in disarray and failing manager Arne Slot while doubting whether all squad members is owning up for the team’s slump.

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 bottom half of the top-flight standings with a negative goal difference. The club's chair was present at Anfield to observe Liverpool’s latest loss in recent outings, their eighth loss in 11 matches across every tournament, and a display that unravelled against a opponent that started the day in the drop zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Defensive Lapses

The captain labeled Liverpool’s start to the second half as “not good enough” and admitted “panic kicked in” as soon as the Forest player gave the visitors the advantage. The first goal 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 dealing with facts and the truth is we conceded a free-kick in the first half and a poor concession at the start of the second half,” stated Van Dijk. “As a team, we're 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 mess because at the moment it is a mess – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Step Up

The skipper usually speaks the media after a game as part of his duties as team leader. This time was distinct, however. His voice was much louder – so loud that any player in the stadium corridors 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 take responsibility.” When questioned whether that is happening, he answered: “I don’t know. But you have to do that. That's crucial I expect the players to do. It’s not easy during difficult times but we must act if we aim to recover of this.”

Summer Signings and Team Problems

Liverpool invested almost £450 million to strengthen a title-winning squad in the summer but have gone backwards, with several high-profile signings failing to make an impact so far. The captain insisted that Liverpool’s problems go beyond the new recruits. “It's difficult for everyone,” he said. “What I want is for everyone to take responsibility on the pitch. This is necessary in order to motivate one another, to make each other better. When someone is pressing, you must join the press. It’s basic things but they're lacking enough.”

Call for Unity

Van Dijk continued: “In the current term we don’t have any consistency, we allow far too many goals, we are being out-fought and everyone is responsible for it and I trust this is recognized. We have to accept duty to reverse the situation and it is easy to point fingers but you have to do it together. We have been through it together and claimed the title and all contributed, and during a challenging phase you must remain united and not point fingers.

“You have to be a man and confront the hardship and go again, repeatedly because if you want to give up then you are at the wrong place in my eyes, because this club has been going through many adversity over recent seasons and we’ve consistently emerged of it. However, that doesn't imply it is easy, it’s tiring but there is no other way.”

Looking Ahead

Next up in the Premier League is a visit to London Stadium next weekend, after the Champions League fixture of PSV in the Champions League. Van Dijk commented: “Wednesday is another opportunity so how should I respond, go home and cry? No, I’m going to go home and analyze how we can improve results and hopefully that is what everyone is doing as well.”