Liverpool manager Arne Slot has labeled the current season as the most demanding of his managerial career, acknowledging that his team is not meeting the high standards expected at Anfield.
A 3-1 loss to Manchester City on Sunday left Liverpool in sixth place in the Premier League table, trailing fifth-placed Chelsea by four points and level on points with seventh-placed Brentford. The Reds would have fallen below the Bees on goal difference had Rayan Cherki's late third goal been allowed to stand.
Slot took over from Jürgen Klopp in June 2024 and guided the club to a record-tying 20th top-flight title in his debut season. However, despite investing nearly £450 million in new players during the summer, including a British record £125 million for Alexander Isak, Liverpool has struggled this term. The team has won 11, drawn six, and lost eight league games so far in the 2025-26 season.
"By a mile," Slot responded when asked if this was his toughest season as a manager. "All the other seasons I have managed, there was only positives. I don't think I have ever lost two games in a row [until now]. It's an exception for me, I am not used to it. I don't think we feel we've only lost two of our last 17. A draw feels like a loss."
The Dutchman emphasized that the players understand the expectations at Liverpool and are disappointed with their current performance. He also acknowledged the increased competition for Champions League qualification, with five Premier League teams likely to secure a spot for next season.
Last month, Slot stated that Liverpool would have an acceptable season if they improved in one aspect of their game but could have a special campaign if they improved in both. However, on Tuesday, he suggested that his side would need to be "close to perfection" to secure Champions League football next season.
"If we don't have Champions League football [next season], it's definitely not been an acceptable season," Slot added. He also acknowledged the impact of missing out on the Champions League on the club's operations, having previously signed only Federico Chiesa after a Europa League season.
Liverpool faces an away match against unbeaten Sunderland on Wednesday at 20:15 GMT. Only Conor Bradley, who is out for the season, and Joe Gomez, are available for selection at right-back, with Dominik Szoboszlai suspended and both Jeremie Frimpong and Alexander Isak also long-term absentees.
Slot also addressed the challenges his team has faced this season, including injuries to new signings and the time it has taken for players to adapt to the Premier League. However, he maintained that the focus should remain on improving performances and admitted that he has "tried many different things" to turn the season around.
Despite the struggles, Slot expressed belief that Liverpool can still achieve something special this season. However, a defeat at Sunderland would only intensify the pressure on the Dutchman, with voices around his future at the club likely to grow louder if the team misses out on Champions League qualification.
Liverpool travel to the Stadium of Light on Wednesday, aiming to secure a crucial three points and keep their Champions League hopes alive.
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