Liverpool Defense at Weakest Point Conceded 15 Goals in 9 Games, Virgil van Dijk Speaks Out

Defeat is always part of football, but four consecutive losses is certainly unusual for a club as big as Liverpool. In matchweek 9 of the 2025/2026 Premier League, The Reds fell 2-3 to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday, 26 October 2025, Indonesian time. This result capped a series of poor results after previously being defeated by Crystal Palace, Chelsea, and Manchester United—all by the identical scoreline of 1-2.

"It was just a very disappointing night for us. It's hard to take but that’s the reality and we have to move on," said Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool's center-back and captain, quoted from the club's official website.

This defeat felt even more painful as it came shortly after a resounding 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, which had given fans hope of a revival. But in reality, that momentum didn't last long. 

"Clearly this is one of those [results] that’s hard to take, we can’t deny that. This is not an easy moment," added Van Dijk.

When the Defense Starts to Crumble and Mentality is Tested

One of the biggest highlights during this difficult period is the weakness of Liverpool's defensive line. In their last nine matches across all competitions, they have failed to record a single clean sheet and have conceded 15 goals. According to Opta Sports data, that is their worst record since the pre-Jürgen Klopp era.

"So it’s easy to blame someone or the backline or set-pieces, but it’s all a collective thing in the end. Everyone has to look in the mirror, including myself. That’s what we all do and what we all discuss as well. I’m confident we will get through this," he said.

The captain's comments highlight how Liverpool is currently struggling to find the balance between an aggressive attacking style and defensive solidity. In The Athletic's analysis, The Reds' performance decline isn't just down to technical factors, but also the psychological burden on key players continuously playing a congested schedule. Klopp previously acknowledged that training intensity and player rotation are two things that need immediate evaluation.

Seeking a Turning Point Amidst Pressure

The defeat to Brentford leaves Liverpool stuck in sixth place in the temporary standings with 15 points. In a situation like this, the next match against Crystal Palace in the English League Cup on 30 October feels like more than just a game. Palace have already beaten Liverpool twice this season, and the upcoming match at Anfield will be a true test of character.

"We have to quickly switch our mindset to be ready, because they will come to Anfield to try and hurt us even more," said Van Dijk, firmly.

However, history shows Liverpool always finds a way to bounce back. The 2020/2021 season is a prime example when an injury storm caused the team's performance to collapse, but they managed to finish in the top four. Many observers believe the key to this revival lies in the combination of Van Dijk's leadership and the consistency of the new midfield line Klopp is building.

Like a long journey full of steep climbs and sharp turns, Liverpool's path this season is far from over. They may be in a valley now, but with the undying Anfield spirit, a new chapter might be waiting just around the corner.