Liverpool players hold emergency meeting as pressure mounts on Arne Slot after Man City battering

Captain Virgil van Dijk issued a public apology to those who made the journey, whilst insisting accountability lies with the playing staff as much as the coaching team.

"We have a responsibility to put this right," the 34-year-old told his teammates.

"Obviously, he's responsible as the manager, but we are the ones on the pitch that have to do it," Van Dijk added, addressing calls for Slot's dismissal.

The Dutch defender expressed concern that certain players appeared to surrender mentally after conceding four goals within 57 minutes.

"Also, though, you shouldn't give up and that's maybe what happened at a certain point," Van Dijk acknowledged.

The FA Cup exit represents Liverpool's 15th loss across all competitions this term, marking their worst campaign since suffering 18 defeats under Brendan Rodgers during the 2014-15 season.

"I am trying to think how we can turn it around but we have been going through this for almost 75 per cent of the season," the captain reflected.

"It is a difficult one to take and everyone has to look at themselves. We do well but we can't build on certain things and then we fall back into games where we get beat on intensity or beat on how much you really want to go for it."

Liverpool had arguably been the superior side during the opening 35 minutes and created opportunities to take the lead.

However, the match turned when Van Dijk's challenge on England youngster Nico O'Reilly resulted in a 39th-minute spot kick, which Erling Haaland converted.

Moments before half-time, impressive combination play from Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo down the right flank allowed the Norwegian to head in his second.

Rather than mounting a response after the interval, the visitors capitulated entirely.

Semenyo made it three in the 50th minute after being played through by Cherki, lifting his finish over goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Seven minutes later, O'Reilly teed up Haaland to complete his 12th hat-trick for City, taking his season tally to 46 goals.

To compound Liverpool's misery, James Trafford saved Mohamed Salah's penalty.

Attention now turns to Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg against reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain, which represents Liverpool's sole remaining opportunity for a trophy this campaign.

The Reds currently occupy fifth position in the Premier League, though their place in next season's elite European competition remains uncertain.

"PSG are waiting for us and it will be so tough again," Van Dijk warned.

"If we want to make something out of this season, we have to try and do something special in the next three games.

"It's very important to get this out of our system. You could say it is good there are games coming up but the reality is there is a very hungry and very good PSG ahead of us."