In conversation with Premier League Productions (via BBC Sports), our captain gave a brutally honest assessment of the 3-0 defeat, admitting: ‘We concede too many easy goals’ before outlining how the initial setback immediately rattled the team as the match unfolded.
The 34-year-old centre-back referred to the opener and said: “They clearly scored again from a set piece… we were not good in terms of fighting, challenges, the fight, too hasty…
“Everyone is disappointed, as they should be, because losing at home to Nottingham Forest is very bad in my opinion. That’s the least I can say about it.”
The Dutch international went further, insisting that the nerves only set in after he conceded, and stressed that the group cannot simply talk their way out of this difficult period, adding: “It’s going to take a lot of hard work.”
His comments came on a day when Forest became only the fourth away side to win at Anfield by three or more goals in Premier League history.
Liverpool’s defensive problems were exposed again after the Forest defeat
Van Dijk’s core message focused on responsibility and read: “Everyone in the team must also take responsibility… the goals we conceded were far too easy and we all need to look in the mirror.”
This reinforced the themes raised by Martin Keown, who said so “The wheels are now coming off for Arne Slot and Liverpool”a line that shows what a bad position we are in.
Arne Slot started this season with a title to defend, but this now feels like an unattainable goal.
Wayne Rooney also gave his verdict: ‘The forest looked comfortable’ a passage that ties in with Van Dijk’s point about losing important matches and having difficulty reacting after conceding a goal.
Van Dijk urges Liverpool to stick together as pressure mounts
Despite the severity of the action, the former Southampton defender refused to attack the supporters and made it clear: “I can’t decide what the fans will do if they leave early… they will be with us when we come out of this.”
This reflects his long-standing leadership style during previous difficult periods. This is a time to stick together and not go against each other.
His insistence on it “We will bounce back, but it won’t happen overnight” is likely to lead selection talks in Kirkby this week as the reigning champions prepare for what now feels like a defining period in our season.
The next match may not decide anything mathematically, but mentally it already feels vitally important.
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