Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool’s title defence has taken another heavy hit, and the feeling around Anfield is tense.
This was not just another league game.
This was a home match the champions were expected to control.
Instead, Nottingham Forest, a side fighting to recover under a new manager, came in with confidence and left with a dominant win.
Liverpool were flat for long spells.
The team looked unsure. The crowd grew restless.
And when the final whistle went, the mood was exactly what you would expect from a fan base that has seen too many setbacks this season.
This defeat follows the heavy loss to Manchester City, so there was pressure to respond.
Arne Slot made changes.
He started Alexander Isak, the club’s record signing.
But nothing clicked. Forest were aggressive and organised.
Liverpool could not match their energy in key moments.
It all built up to a moment when the captain had to speak.
And when Virgil van Dijk stepped forward, he did not hide from anything.
Van Dijk was very honest after the game.
He did not look for excuses.
He started by admitting the performance was not at the level the team expects.
“We concede too many easy goals.”
“First half an hour we were good.”
“They scored from a set piece again, you can ask if it was in front of Ali but it counted.”
“But we were not good.”
“In the battles, the second balls…” he said.
He stressed how tough this period is for the squad.
“We are in a very very difficult moment.”
“We have to get out of it.”
“We don’t get out of it by speaking about it.”
“I am here speaking to you guys because I have to.”
The captain also accepted responsibility.
“It’s definitely a problem. I take responsibility. All the guys, and the staff, have to take responsibility.”
“You have to digest this, take it on the chin and work harder.”
On the mood in the dressing room, he added, “Everyone is disappointed like they should be. Losing at home against Nottingham Forest in my eyes is very bad. That’s the least I can say about it.”
But he made it clear he will keep fighting. “The reality is we are in a very difficult moment and I want to get out of it. I am not a quitter.”
And even in disappointment, he kept faith in supporters.
“I am pretty sure they will always stick with us regardless.”
It was a tough afternoon for Liverpool — and their captain reflected exactly that.
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