Captain Virgil van Dijk told his Liverpool team-mates that their “unacceptable” performance against Nottingham Forest cannot become the new normal.

The Reds had been riding high after three wins from three under Arne Slot, but delivered an insipid display as Van Dijk suffered a home league defeat for only the third time in 101 Anfield appearances.

“It was a very disappointing day because of the result and also most of the performance,” said Van Dijk. "We were too rushed and we lost too many second balls.

“You can sometimes lose a challenge but you have to be ready for the second one and every time there was a second one they were on the right side of it. They did their job very well and we weren’t good enough.”

Slot opted to field the same XI for the third game running despite Liverpool ’s entire starting line-up having been away on international duty, but Dutch captain Van Dijk refused to blame tiredness for the loss.

“Everyone is coming back from different places and playing a different way, but still I think even though we weren’t at our best we created chances and should have done better,” he said.

"It's a performance we are definitely not happy with and we expect a lot better from ourselves. Losing at home is definitely something that can’t happen, but we have to turn it around pretty quickly.”

Liverpool fly to Milan on Monday as they return to the Champions League with Van Dijk’s demands ringing in their ears.

The skipper added: “In my opinion we have a very good group that really understand that today was unacceptable, disappointing, and we all know that everyone can do better, and the only way to show that is on Tuesday.

"That's what we'll focus on. We've been through losses and difficult moments together, and I think we have to stay calm and we will stay calm.

"We need the whole squad. We all know that after the international break it will be a game every three days, so we need everyone in the best shape and best form."