Van Dijk Admits Squad is in a Mess, Questions Players on Responsibility
Virgil van Dijk has delivered a scathing assessment of Liverpool's disappointing title defence, confessing the title holders are in a mess and failing manager Arne Slot while questioning whether all squad members is taking responsibility for the current downturn.
Van Dijk struggled to hold back his frustration after Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat by Nottingham Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the bottom half of the Premier League table with a deficit in goals. Tom Werner was present at Anfield to witness Liverpool’s sixth defeat in seven league games, their eighth setback in 11 matches across all competitions, and a performance that unravelled against a opponent that began the match in the drop zone.
Poor Second Half 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 Murillo gave the visitors the lead. The first goal was the ninth concession Liverpool have allowed from dead-ball situations in the Premier League this season.
“We had a productive three or four days’ preparation but in a game you are facing reality and the facts are we conceded a set piece in the first half and a terrible goal at the beginning after the break,” said Van Dijk. “We are 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 mess because at the present time it is a mess – that’s just a fact.
Captain’s Challenge: Step Up
Van Dijk typically addresses the press after a game as part of his role as Liverpool captain. This time was distinct, however. He spoke was more forceful – audible enough that any player in the stadium corridors could hear him – and he expressed visible fury while challenging the dressing room to respond. “You should be angry,” he insisted. “The key point for me is that each individual has to be accountable.” Asked whether this is occurring, Van Dijk replied: “It's unclear. But it's essential. That's crucial I want the boys to do. It’s not easy during difficult times but we have to do it if we aim to recover of this.”
Squad Investment and Broader Issues
Liverpool spent almost £450m to replenish a championship-winning team in the summer but have regressed, with new arrivals struggling to contribute so far. The captain maintained that Liverpool’s issues go beyond the recent additions. “It's difficult for everyone,” he said. “What I want 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 effort. It’s basic things but it’s not happening enough.”
Call for Unity
The Dutchman added: “In the current term we don’t have any consistency, we allow far too many goals, we are being out-fought and all share the blame for it and I trust this is recognized. We have to take responsibility to reverse the situation and tempting to point fingers but you have to do it together. We have been through it together and won the league and everyone was part of it, and during a tough time you have to stick together and not point fingers.
“You have to be a man and face the toughness and persist, again and again because surrendering is not an option then you are at the wrong place in my view, because this club has been enduring numerous challenges over those years and we’ve always come out of it. However, that doesn't imply it is straightforward, it’s tiring but there is only one path forward.”
Next Fixtures
The upcoming match in the Premier League is a visit to London Stadium next Sunday, after the midweek visit of PSV in the Champions League. Van Dijk said: “Wednesday is another opportunity so how should I respond, dwell on the loss? Certainly not, I’m going to return and analyze how we can turn this around and I trust that is the collective focus as well.”
