Writing in the matchday programme for Saturday's fixture, van Dijk did not spare himself or his teammates in his assessment of a campaign that has left the reigning champions 18 points behind leaders Arsenal in fourth place with three games remaining.
"This has been a very disappointing season — an unacceptable one, in my opinion. But we cannot feel sorry for ourselves. That is not what Liverpool is about."
He identified the squad's failure to sustain any run of form as the root of the problem.
"In many ways that has been the story of our season — we just haven't been able to build any kind of momentum. We have had some good spells in games, some good wins even, but we haven't been able to follow those up and really create any consistency. That is extremely frustrating for everyone associated with the club because, as we all know, consistency is the hallmark of successful teams."
He was clear-eyed about what Saturday represents in that context.
"We know we still have a job to do to secure Champions League qualification for next season, and we want to do that as soon as possible. We have three games left to play, and we want to win them all, starting on Saturday."
On Chelsea specifically, van Dijk offered a warning against complacency despite the visitors' own difficulties.
"Chelsea, like ourselves, have found it difficult at times this season, but we know that they possess a lot of talent in their squad. They will be motivated after a disappointing result of their own last weekend, and we know we will need to be at our best if we want to get the three points."
He closed with a message for the Anfield support.
"We are all frustrated of course, but we want to try to finish on a positive note, secure that Champions League spot and give you guys at least something to take away from a tough campaign."
Liverpool face Aston Villa away and then Brentford at home after Saturday's match. Slot is expected to remain in charge next season, with the club backing him to build on a squad that won the title twelve months ago and has spent this year enduring the consequences of that transition.
Van Dijk himself will be back next season. Whether the standards he has demanded publicly this week are matched by the group around him is the question the summer must answer.