Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has called on his teammates to take full responsibility for the club’s recent struggles, admitting that the current squad is in a state of disarray unworthy of defending Premier League champions.
The Reds suffered a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield, a result that matched their worst home loss in Premier League history. This defeat marks six losses in their last seven league games, leaving Liverpool dangerously close to the relegation zone for the first time in over a decade.
Van Dijk did not shy away from addressing the severity of the situation.
“We have clearly let the manager down, but more importantly, we have let ourselves down,” he said.
“As champions, we shouldn’t be in this position. The fact is, we are in trouble, and we must face it together and find a way out.”
Players Must Shoulder the Responsibility
The Dutch defender highlighted a lack of accountability within the dressing room as a key issue.
“Everyone has to take part. Is that happening right now? I’m not sure. But it’s essential if we want to turn things around,” van Dijk stressed.
He also pointed to fundamental flaws in their game, noting that even basic aspects such as coordinated pressing were failing because too many players were focused on individual situations rather than the collective effort.
Comparing the current campaign with last season, van Dijk admitted the contrast was stark.
“Last year, we were consistent and solid. Now, we’re conceding goals too easily, losing duels, and showing instability. Everyone is responsible for that,” he added.
A Stern Warning, Not Defeatism
Despite the crisis, van Dijk refused to give in to despair.
“If you’re thinking about giving up, you’re in the wrong place. This club has faced difficult times before and always bounced back. We have to face it like men and keep trying again and again.”
Statistics Underline Liverpool’s Struggles
Numbers back up van Dijk’s concerns. Despite 74% possession against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool managed just four shots on target out of 21 attempts and failed to score in two consecutive league games for the first time since 2023. Defensively, they have conceded 20 goals in 12 league matches, marking their worst start since 1992.
The alarming trend underscores the urgent need for the Reds to regroup before their upcoming Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven at Anfield.
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