By Martin Graham
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has acknowledged that the current campaign has been more demanding than any other he has experienced in management, describing it as difficult “by a mile” while conceding his team is falling short of the club’s expectations.
Sunday’s loss to Manchester City left the reigning Premier League holders sitting sixth, four points adrift of Chelsea in fifth. The situation is tight, with Liverpool level on points with Brentford in seventh and only spared a drop on goal difference after a late Manchester City goal was ruled out.
Slot took over from Jurgen Klopp in June 2024 and delivered an immediate impact, guiding the Reds to a record-equalling 20th league crown in his debut season. That success has not carried over into this year, despite heavy investment during the summer window.
Liverpool have spent close to £450m on reinforcements, highlighted by a British-record £125m move for Alexander Isak, yet consistency has been elusive. Their league return in 2025-26 stands at 11 victories, six draws, and eight defeats.
Standards, pressure and Champions League fears
Speaking to BBC Sport, Slot reflected on the unfamiliar nature of the struggles, admitting consecutive defeats are something he is not accustomed to. Even stalemates, he explained, feel deeply frustrating for a squad used to setting the bar high.
The Dutch coach stressed that his players understand what is demanded at Liverpool and are acutely aware they are not matching those benchmarks. That sense of dissatisfaction, he said, is shared throughout the dressing room.
With the possibility that five English sides could qualify for next season’s Champions League, Slot remains realistic about what is required. He suggested his team may need to be “close to perfection” to secure a top-five finish and was blunt about the consequences of failure.
Missing out on Europe’s elite competition, Slot admitted, would make the campaign unacceptable. Drawing on his own arrival after a Europa League season, he highlighted how the absence of Champions League football can significantly affect the way the club operates.
Injuries, setbacks and belief in a turnaround
Liverpool’s trip to Sunderland on Wednesday presents another challenge, particularly with problems at right-back. Dominik Szoboszlai, who has been covering in defence, is suspended following his dismissal against Manchester City.
Conor Bradley’s season is already over, Jeremie Frimpong has not played since picking up a groin issue against Qarabag, and Joe Gomez remains sidelined. Isak and centre-back Giovanni Leoni are also long-term casualties.
Slot pointed to misfortune as a recurring theme, referencing injuries and late blows, even noting that future signing Jeremy Jacquet suffered a shoulder problem for Rennes before joining the club. Still, he insisted the focus must stay on improving displays rather than dwelling on setbacks.
While defeat at the Stadium of Light would intensify scrutiny, Slot maintained there is still belief inside the club that something remarkable can be achieved. If results do not improve, he acknowledged, questions about his position will inevitably grow.