Liverpool manager Arne Slot has characterised the current season as the most challenging of his management career, acknowledging that his team is falling short of the club’s expectations following their most recent Premier League setback.
Liverpool’s defeat against Manchester City on Sunday left them sixth in the rankings, four points behind fifth-placed Chelsea and level with Brentford in seventh.
The Reds narrowly avoided dropping further down the standings after Manchester City’s late third goal was ruled off, preserving Liverpool’s superior goal difference.
Slot, who succeeded Jurgen Klopp in June 2024 and won a record-equaling 20th league title in manager first season, has seen a stark change this season despite significant squad investment.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the Dutch coach was open about the difficulties he is encountering.
“By a mile,” Slot said when asked if this was his toughest season. “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.”
Liverpool’s league record for the 2025-26 season is 11 victories, six draws, and eight defeats, after spending around £450 million on new signings last summer, including a British record £125 million for Alexander Isak.
Slot stressed that internal expectations remain high. “The players know what the standards of Liverpool mean and we aren’t performing to those standards. They feel that disappointment,” he said.
With the Premier League expected to clinch five Champions League spots this season, Liverpool remains in contention, but Slot has acknowledged the repercussions of missing out.
“If we don’t have Champions League football [next season], it’s definitely not been an acceptable season,” he said. “That does have an enormous impact on the way this club is run. I am completely aware of that.”
The former Feyenoord manager stated that qualification will necessitate near-perfect performances in the run-up.
Liverpool head to Sunderland on Wednesday, with Slot dealing with selection concerns. Dominik Szoboszlai is suspended, Conor Bradley is out for the season, while Jeremie Frimpong and Joe Gomez remain out. Isak and Giovanni Leoni, both centre-backs, have also been out for some time.
Despite the difficulties, Slot insisted belief remains within the squad. “There’s still a possibility where we can do something special this season,” he said.
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