Virgil van Dijk has launched a scathing attack on Liverpool's form, admitting the champions are in a 'mess' and letting down manager Arne Slot. After a 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, the captain questioned whether every player is taking responsibility for the team's slump.
Van Dijk described Liverpool's start to the second half as 'unacceptable' and said 'panic kicked in' after Murillo's opener. The defeat was Liverpool's sixth in seven Premier League games, leaving them in the bottom half with a negative goal difference.
'We are definitely letting him down, but we've let ourselves down as well,' Van Dijk said. 'At the moment it is a mess – that's just a fact. As the champions we can't be in the situation we are in right now.'
The Dutchman challenged his teammates to respond, insisting everyone must take responsibility. 'You have to be a man and face the toughness,' he added. 'If you want to give up then you are at the wrong place.'
Liverpool's summer signings, including Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, have failed to make an impact, but Van Dijk said the problems go beyond new recruits. 'It's basic things but it's not happening enough,' he said.
