Dominik Szoboszlai has told Liverpool to stop using a transitional season as an excuse, after the club dropped points in three of their first five Premier League games under new manager Andoni Iraola, leaving them six points behind early leaders Manchester City despite being unbeaten.
Iraola replaced Arne Slot in the summer following a title defence that ended with only fifth place and a scramble for Champions League qualification, and Liverpool have spent more than £700 million on 11 new senior players since winning the league less than 18 months ago, while also losing established figures including Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté in the same window.
Szoboszlai said the club has run out of road when it comes to blaming upheaval for results: "It's enough to speak about that we need time.
"Obviously last season things weren't going well and we were saying that new players came in and a couple of players left, such as Lucho and Darwin, and it didn't work out. So we were saying we need time because of the transition. Now we will say that Mo left, a legend and with all the respect.
"Robbo the same. Every year something is going to happen. So at one point we have to take the responsibility and stop making excuses, because we are Liverpool FC. We don't have three years to renew everybody and start again. So I think it starts now and we are there again. It's a long season."
He added that building team spirit will be central to reversing the club's form.
"I think our main point is to become a real family because then after that we can be successful. To talk is easy but I think you also have to show it on the pitch. What this season is going to ask us is are we ready to compete again on the highest level? I think we are but we have to start to do it."
Szoboszlai was named one of three vice-captains this summer, alongside Joe Gomez and Alisson, behind club captain Virgil van Dijk, and said he has embraced the added responsibility.
"To be honest, I like to have responsibility. Maybe last season, I think on the pitch I actually tried to take responsibility and it worked out quite well. Now I maybe try to take responsibility off the pitch a little bit more, but I think in this team we have a lot of guys who like to take responsibility, which is nice and makes it easier for everyone."
He also had a message for the summer's new arrivals, including Bradley Barcola, JĂ©rĂ©my Jacquet, VĂctor Muñoz and loan signing Ronald AraĂșjo.
"Believe that it's one of the best clubs in the world and the best club in England. And we have to play like that. The badge is very big and you have to make the supporters proud again. We know how it feels to win the Premier League and from my side I don't think anything felt like that before.
"Of course, we want to feel it again, and the same with the Champions League and with the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. We are on it. But the only thing is they should make sure they give their best, we give our best and we become like a family."