Virgil van Dijk has fired back at suggestions Liverpool's struggles stem from too much time off, defending the squad's professionalism after another crushing defeat.

The captain's defiance came in the wake of Sunday's 3-2 loss at Manchester United, where a sluggish start saw the Reds trail 2-0 inside 15 minutes. It marked their 11th league defeat of what has been a disastrous campaign.

With Liverpool's schedule easing to one game per week following early exits from the FA Cup and Champions League in April, Arne Slot has given players time off at the start of matchweeks. Many took short European breaks with their families last week before regrouping at the AXA Training Centre.

But critics have questioned whether these mini-breaks have contributed to Liverpool's lacklustre performances. Van Dijk wasn't having any of it.

"I'm not sure it's a holiday," the Dutch defender said. "It's a city trip. It was only one day [away]. But I think if you have one day off, and you don't have many days off, they decide what they want to do with their families."

The skipper's response carried an edge of frustration at having to justify basic squad management. "We are not kids. Everyone is an adult," he continued, pointing to the professional approach expected at this level.

Van Dijk drew comparisons to Manchester City's recent success whilst using similar methods. "You see Pep Guardiola giving Manchester City three days off the last weeks in a row and they are doing pretty well. It is finding the right balance."

The captain acknowledged the perception problem Liverpool face. "I can understand if people think we are not training and, when results are not there, it could be a reason for why we are not getting results," he admitted.

But Van Dijk's real focus was on the brutal reality of Liverpool's season. The Reds have now lost 18 times across all competitions, excluding the Community Shield shootout defeat to Crystal Palace in August. It represents their worst league campaign since 2014-15.

"I'm not here to make excuses. It's been a very disappointing season, an unacceptable season," Van Dijk said with characteristic directness. "We shouldn't feel sorry for ourselves whatsoever. We have to turn it around and make sure these things don't happen. It's not Liverpool."

The injury crisis has been unprecedented. Van Dijk reeled off a list that reads like a medical textbook: "I don't think anyone can predict Alex Isak having a leg break. I don't think anyone can predict Wata (Wataru Endo) having a proper foot injury. I don't think you can predict Gio (Giovanni Leoni) having an ACL or Giorgi (Mamardashvili) having stitches just below his patella tendon."

Having two goalkeepers sidelined simultaneously highlighted the squad's misfortune. Yet Van Dijk refused to lean on injuries as an excuse. "It's the situation. I can stand here and say that is the reason we are where we are but I wouldn't do that."

Instead, he demanded accountability from everyone at the club. "It's down to us, all of us, to turn it around. After the season, we make sure that this doesn't happen."

The captain's passion for restoring Liverpool's standards was evident. "Like anyone else, personally I want this to be solved. I want us to experience what I have had over my time here. I want us to be successful. I want to consistent with the team, winning games, fighting. We want to get the job done."

With three games remaining before the World Cup break, Van Dijk knows the immediate focus must be on salvaging something from this wreckage. Saturday's early kick-off against Chelsea offers another chance to show Liverpool haven't completely lost their way.

The captain's final words carried both acceptance and determination: "We have three more games now then the World Cup. We have to realise next season this season cannot be repeated. It is unacceptable."

Whether it's one-day breaks or wholesale changes needed, Van Dijk's message is clear: this version of Liverpool simply isn't good enough, and everyone knows it.