Liverpool’s season plunged into deeper chaos after a crushing 3–0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest — a result that not only stunned supporters but also exposed an unexpected rift between captain Virgil van Dijk and manager Arne Slot over who should take the blame for the club’s alarming decline.
The 2025/26 campaign has already been turbulent, but this latest loss — Liverpool’s sixth in their last seven Premier League outings — has dragged the champions down to 11th place, sparking frustration, confusion, and finger-pointing around Anfield.
What followed after the final whistle was even more surprising: instead of the usual unified stance, Liverpool’s captain and manager delivered contradicting explanations, each insisting they were responsible for the “mess” the team now finds itself in. Rather than easing pressure, their opposing statements only highlighted how unclear the situation has become behind the scenes.
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Van Dijk Says the Blame Lies on the Players
Clearly frustrated, Van Dijk stepped in front of the cameras immediately after the defeat and refused to let his manager take the fall. He stressed that Liverpool’s tactical plan wasn’t the core issue — instead, he pointed to the squad’s mentality, intensity, and decision-making.
The captain admitted that Liverpool were second-best in duels, lacked composure after conceding, and failed to show the fight required to compete.
According to him, the repeated defensive lapses, the inability to win battles, and the team’s nervous reaction after falling behind were symptoms of a collective failure — not a managerial one. Van Dijk insisted that every member of the squad must take ownership if Liverpool are to turn things around.
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But Slot Insists the Failure Is His Alone
Arne Slot offered a very different perspective. Speaking in his post-match interview, the Dutch coach shouldered the entire responsibility for the defeat, insisting that the tactical execution, lack of creativity, and failure to score ultimately came down to his decisions.
Slot rejected the idea that his players weren’t committed, arguing instead that his tactical adjustments weren’t enough to change the game. For him, the inability to create chances and unlock Forest’s defence was a coaching failure — not a squad issue.
This public contradiction between coach and captain has left fans wondering: Who is really at fault for Liverpool’s alarming collapse?
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Slot Facing a Strict Deadline as Pressure Mounts
Despite Slot’s willingness to take the blame, pressure from above is increasing. According to club insiders, Liverpool’s board still backs him — but only until the New Year. If performances don’t improve before then, Fenway Sports Group is expected to consider a managerial change.
And with a brutal run of fixtures ahead, Slot’s task is anything but easy:
Liverpool vs PSV
West Ham vs Liverpool
Liverpool vs Sunderland
Leeds vs Liverpool
Inter Milan vs Liverpool
Liverpool vs Brighton
Tottenham vs Liverpool
Liverpool vs Wolves
If results don’t shift quickly, the Anfield dugout could look very different in 2026.
