Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk delivered a scathing assessment of his side’s defeat to Nottingham Forest, declaring: “We concede too many easy goals.” The Netherlands international was powerless to prevent his team slumping to a comprehensive three-goal defeat at Anfield. The Reds now languish in 11th position in the Premier League following their sixth league reverse of the season on Saturday.

Arne Slot‘s men failed to register on the scoresheet as they toiled against Sean Dyche’s relegation battlers. Van Dijk has urged his team-mates to take a hard look at themselves as they attempt to reverse the club’s alarming slump in form. The centre-back is adamant his side must transform words into action, whilst acknowledging that anxiety crept into the team after falling behind.

Speaking candidly after the final whistle, Van Dijk reflected on Liverpool‘s loss, the manner of the goals conceded and supporters leaving Anfield early. “We concede too many easy goals,” said Van Dijk following the game.

“They scored obviously from a set piece again. You can ask if he was in front of Alisson, but it counted, so we’re 1-0 down. We were not good in terms of battles, challenges, the fight, too rushed. It’s a very difficult situation at the moment.

“There was nervousness after we conceded, but not before. We tried to rush things and that’s human when you’re in a difficult moment. We cleared the ones before and in the end, we’re in a very difficult moment. We don’t get out of it by just speaking about it. It will take a lot of hard work.

“It’s a problem. Everyone in the team has to take responsibility as well. Football is a team and everyone has to take responsibility. We have to digest this and take it on the chin. We need to work harder. We have to keep going.

“Everyone is disappointed, like they should be, because losing at home to Nottingham Forest is, in my eyes, very bad. That’s the least I can say about it. Those goals we conceded are far too easy and we all have to look in the mirror.

“I’ve been at this club so long now and we’ve been through adversity. We will bounce back but it doesn’t happen overnight. I’m not a quitter and we will keep going.

“I can’t decide what the supporters are doing if they leave early. I know the fans have been through thick and thin with us. They will be there with us when we come out of this because we will come out of this.”