Van Dijk Slams Liverpool’s Defence After Forest Defeat

Liverpool’s Defensive Issues Spotlighted by Van Dijk

Liverpool’s defensive problems have come under intense scrutiny after captain Virgil van Dijk openly criticized the team following their 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest at Anfield. The reigning Premier League champions have now let in 20 goals from just 11 league matches, a worrying statistic for a side aiming to defend their title. Van Dijk was candid in his assessment, declaring the Reds concede “too many easy goals” and stressing collective responsibility for their defensive lapses.

Set-Piece Struggles Haunt the Reds

A major concern for Liverpool this season has been their vulnerability from set pieces. Against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool fell behind in the 33rd minute through a controversial goal by Murillo. Despite VAR review, the goal stood, and it highlighted yet again Liverpool’s inability to effectively defend dead-ball situations. So far, the Reds have conceded nine goals from set pieces in the 2025/26 campaign, marking the third worst record in the Premier League according to Opta Stats.

Van Dijk’s Message: No Excuses, More Accountability

After the Forest defeat, Van Dijk did not mince words. “We concede too many easy goals. They scored obviously from a set piece again,” he said. “Everyone in the team has to take responsibility. Losing at home to Nottingham Forest is, in my eyes, very bad. Those goals we conceded are far too easy and we all have to look in the mirror.” Despite the disappointment, the Dutch defender emphasized his commitment to the club, vowing, “I’m not a quitter and we will keep going.”

Poor Form Following International Break

Liverpool’s first game back after the international break saw them struggle to gain control. Murillo’s opener was quickly followed by a disallowed goal for Forest, but the reprieve was short-lived. Nicolo Savona and Morgan Gibbs-White added to Liverpool’s misery with second-half strikes, sealing a memorable victory for Forest and deepening Liverpool’s defensive crisis.

Supporters Voice Frustration

Many fans at Anfield left the stadium early, underlining the growing frustration with recent performances. Van Dijk acknowledged the supporters’ disappointment but reassured them that the team would work to turn things around. “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,” he stated.

Liverpool’s Leaky Defence in Numbers

Last season, Liverpool’s defence was a cornerstone of their Premier League title run, conceding just 41 goals in 38 games. This term, they are averaging 1.81 goals conceded per game—a stark contrast that has alarmed both fans and analysts. In their last six outings across all competitions, Liverpool have shipped three goals in four separate matches, highlighting a severe regression at the back.

Transfer Market Questions Loom

Despite a summer focused on attacking reinforcements, Liverpool’s failure to secure additional defensive options—particularly their unsuccessful pursuit of Marc Guehi—has left the squad exposed. With the January window still weeks away and a packed fixture list, manager Arne Slot must find solutions internally. If defensive issues persist, the pressure will only intensify on Slot, whose debut season included lifting the Premier League trophy.

Can Liverpool Fix Their Defensive Woes?

The urgent question for Liverpool is whether they can stabilize their defence before the campaign slips further off course. The entire squad, as Van Dijk insists, must share the burden. With vital fixtures ahead in both the Premier League and Europe, the Reds need a rapid turnaround. Fans and pundits alike await a response that matches the club’s ambitions. For more news and comprehensive coverage, visit for more news.

Opinion: Time for Unity and Solutions

Liverpool’s struggles at the back are alarmingly clear, and Van Dijk’s public critique could serve as a crucial wake-up call. Defensive strength was the bedrock of last season’s triumph, and recapturing that resilience is vital. While the January transfer window may offer long-term answers, the Reds must rediscover their identity quickly. Leadership, hard work, and unity on the pitch will be essential if Liverpool are to weather this storm and reignite their title defence.