Liverpool Stars Clash: Slot and Van Dijk Point Fingers After Devastating Defeat
Arne Slot acknowledged that Liverpool's ongoing struggles are "my responsibility" and confirmed that all efforts are being made to reverse their fortunes—however, Virgil van Dijk emphasized that the blame shouldn't rest solely on the manager's shoulders.
Expectations were high that the Premier League title holders would bounce back following their devastating 3–0 loss to Manchester City before the international pause, but they appeared disjointed once again as Nottingham Forest secured victory at Anfield for the consecutive season.
Liverpool didn't merely fall to Forest, they suffered another crushing 3–0 defeat before their shocked home supporters—with Murillo, Nicolò Savona and Morgan Gibbs-White finding the net on an afternoon where £125 million British record purchase Alexander Isak managed only 14 touches and was clearly the Reds' poorest performer.
This setback extends Liverpool's poor run to eight losses in their previous 11 matches across all tournaments, with Slot accepting full accountability for the team's struggles.
"Whether results are positive or negative, it's my responsibility," the Dutch coach explained to BBC's Match of the Day. "We couldn't generate sufficient chances. I attempted several tactical changes, but they proved ineffective. We failed to find the back of the net. At this venue, you never can tell—one goal might change everything.
Slot: Players Must Keep Their Heads Up
Murillo's opener for Forest sparked debate, with Dan Ndoye positioned offside near Liverpool keeper Alisson, but VAR ruled he wasn't interfering since he didn't block the Brazilian's view or make any significant movement toward the ball—a ruling that contrasted sharply with a similar incident two weeks earlier when Van Dijk's goal against City was disallowed.
"I'm uncertain. I was told it wasn't offside, so if that's the case, there's no argument," Slot commented. "We built attacks and hoped to break the deadlock. The set piece altered the entire dynamic, and they netted twice.
When questioned about the early second-half goal: "Naturally, it was devastating. It was already challenging being 1-0 down against a side defending so deep. It's straightforward. In the coming days, we face Champions League action followed by three Premier League fixtures in quick succession. Stay positive and put in maximum effort. We're striving daily.
"Having seasoned and talented players is always beneficial. Things aren't clicking right now."
Van Dijk: Liverpool's Problem Is the Responsibility of Everyone
Liverpool skipper Van Dijk also addressed the media following the match, visibly frustrated by his team's display. However, his message was unambiguous—too many soft goals are being allowed and responsibility extends beyond Slot to include every player.
"We're allowing too many simple goals. They obviously scored from a set piece once more," he stated. "You might question whether he was blocking Alisson, but it stood, leaving us 1-0 behind. We lacked intensity in duels, tackles, the competitive spirit, too hasty. It's an extremely challenging period right now.
"Anxiety crept in after conceding, though not beforehand. We attempted to force things, which is natural during tough spells. We handled previous situations and ultimately, we're in a very tough spot. We won't escape this merely by discussing it. It requires tremendous effort.
"It's an issue. Every team member must accept accountability too. Football is collective and everyone must take ownership. We need to process this and accept it. We must work more intensively. We have to persevere.
"Everyone feels let down, as they should, because losing at home to Nottingham Forest is, from my perspective, extremely poor. That's the minimum I can express. The goals we allowed were far too simple and we all need self-reflection. I've been at this club extensively and we've faced hardship before. We'll recover but it won't happen immediately. I'm not someone who gives up and we'll continue fighting.
"I cannot control what supporters do if they depart early. I understand the fans have supported us through good and bad times. They'll stand by us as we emerge from this because we will emerge from this."