Van Dijk Concedes Squad is in a Mess, Challenges Teammates on Responsibility

Virgil van Dijk has issued a blunt evaluation of the club's woeful championship campaign, admitting the reigning champions are in a mess and letting down head coach Slot while doubting whether every player is owning up for the team’s slump.

Van Dijk struggled to hold back 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 deficit in goals. Tom Werner was in attendance to witness Liverpool’s sixth defeat in recent outings, their eighth setback in eleven fixtures across all competitions, and a performance that fell apart against a opponent that began the match in the drop zone.

Poor Second Half and Set-Piece Woes

Van Dijk described 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 advantage. Forest’s opener was the ninth goal Liverpool have conceded from a set piece in the Premier League this season.

“There was a great three or four days’ preparation but in a fixture you are dealing with reality and the truth is we conceded a free-kick in the first half and a terrible goal at the start of the second half,” said Van Dijk. “As a team, we're certainly 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 difficult situation – that’s just a fact.

Captain’s Challenge: Take Responsibility

Van Dijk typically addresses the press after a game as part of his duties as team leader. This time was distinct, however. He spoke was much louder – audible enough that any player in the Anfield tunnel could hear him – and he shook with anger while urging the squad to respond. “You should be angry,” he insisted. “The key point for me is that everyone has to be accountable.” When questioned whether that is happening, he answered: “I don’t know. But you have to do that. It’s the main thing I expect the boys to do. It's challenging during tough periods but we must act if we aim to recover of this.”

Squad Investment and Team Problems

Liverpool invested almost £450 million to strengthen a championship-winning team in the summer but have regressed, with several high-profile signings struggling to contribute so far. Van Dijk maintained that Liverpool’s issues extend past the new recruits. “It's difficult for all involved,” he said. “My expectation is for everyone to take responsibility on the field. This is necessary in order to motivate one another, to improve collectively. If a teammate presses, you have to follow the press. It’s basic things but they're lacking enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

Van Dijk added: “This season we don’t have any steady form, we concede far too many goals, we are losing battles and everyone is responsible for it and I hope this is recognized. It's vital to take responsibility to turn this around and it is easy to assign blame but unity is essential. 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.

“Show character and face the toughness and persist, again and again because surrendering is not an option then you are at the wrong place in my eyes, because Liverpool has been enduring many adversity over those years and we’ve consistently emerged of it. However, that doesn't imply it is straightforward, it’s exhausting but there is only one path forward.”

Next Fixtures

The upcoming match in the domestic league is a trip to West Ham next Sunday, after the midweek visit of the Dutch side in the Champions League. Van Dijk said: “The next game is another game so what am I going to do, dwell on the loss? Certainly not, 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.”