Virgil van Dijk gave a damning assessment of Liverpool's performance following their 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon, as the Reds slumped to a sixth defeat in their last seven Premier League games. And Wayne Rooney believes that the captain's comments are a big cause for concern.
Arne Slot's side were looking to bounce back from a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City prior to the international break, but found themselves exposed yet again as domestic football resumed. Goals from Murillo, Nicola Savona and Morgan Gibbs-White put the game out of reach for the hosts, who were outclassed once going behind.
Yet another defeat leaves Liverpool in the bottom-half of the table on just 18 points. Chances of them successfully defending their Premier League crown are rapidly slipping away, and pressure is continuing to mount on Slot after a dismal run of form.
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Van Dijk Calls Out Liverpool Teammates After Forest Loss
Nottingham Forest's Igor Jesus challenges Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk for a header.
Virgil van Dijk has demanded better from his Liverpool teammates. Credit: REUTERS/Phil Noble
Following the match, Van Dijk chose to speak to the media about their difficult day at the office. He told Sky Sports that performances across the board were simply not good enough on the day.
He said: "We concede too many easy goals. We created good opportunities in the first half-an-hour. They scored from a set-piece again, and I think overall we were just not good in terms of battles, challenges, fighting for second balls — too rushed. It's a very difficult situation at the moment."
The Dutchman went on to say that Liverpool looked nervous after they conceded as the team pushed to find an equaliser. He added that hard work was needed from everyone if the Reds were to sort out their issues on the pitch, before demanding better from everyone in the squad:
"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."
Watch Van Dijk's Full Post-Match Interview Below:
Wayne Rooney during a commemorative ceremony at Goodison Park.
Premier League - Everton v Southampton - Goodison Park, Liverpool, Britain - May 18, 2025 Former player Wayne Rooney on the pitch during a commemorative ceremony after the last match for the men's team at Goodison Park Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Van Dijk's comments are a wake-up call to all of his teammates and Rooney believes that the 34-year-old's words are a big worry. The Manchester United legend, speaking on Match of the Day, said: "It's a concern when your captain is speaking like that, saying you lack fight. It's a clear message to his teammates."
Rooney has criticised Van Dijk's leadership in the past, which led to an awkward interview between the two after Liverpool beat Real Madrid. But he went on to reaffirm his point on Saturday night that all the leaders in the dressing room had to step up and help guide the club through a difficult spell.
"They've been going through a tough time all season really," he said. "Even at the beginning of the season, they won games, but they were struggling with performances.
"I've said this throughout the season, the leaders in the dressing room have to pick the players up because if not, as we've seen over the last few years with Manchester United and Tottenham, they can slip down the table."