Arne Slot Calls This His Toughest Season As Liverpool Struggle To Match Their Standards
Liverpool Manager Calls Current Season His Toughest
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has characterized the current campaign as the most challenging of his managerial career, acknowledging that the team has not met the expectations associated with the club.
The Reds suffered defeat to Manchester City on Sunday, leaving them in sixth place in the Premier League, four points behind fifth-placed Chelsea. With identical points as Brentford, Liverpool would have fallen behind had Rayan Cherki’s late goal for City not been disallowed.
Slot, who succeeded Jurgen Klopp in June 2024 and led Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th top-flight title in his inaugural season, has faced difficulties in his second year despite considerable investment over the summer. The club allocated nearly £450 million for new signings, which included a British-record £125 million transfer for Alexander Isak.
Liverpool’s current league record stands at 11 wins, six draws, and eight losses, raising concerns about their prospects for qualifying for the Champions League. In an interview with BBC Sport, Slot did not hesitate when asked whether this season is his most difficult.
“By a mile. All the other seasons I have managed, there were only positives,” he said.
“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. A draw feels like a loss.”
Slot emphasized that the players are aware of Liverpool’s standards and recognize the current disappointment.
With the Premier League poised to send five teams to next season’s Champions League, Liverpool still retains a realistic chance of qualifying. However, Slot clarified that failing to secure a Champions League spot would be deemed unacceptable.
“If we don’t have Champions League football next season, it’s definitely not been an acceptable season,” he stated. “When I arrived here and only signed Federico Chiesa, it was after a Europa League season. That does have an enormous impact on the way this club is run. I am completely aware of that.”
Liverpool faces Sunderland on Wednesday night, a team that has yet to lose at home this season. Slot is grappling with selection challenges at right-back, as Dominik Szoboszlai is suspended following a red card against Manchester City. Additionally, Conor Bradley is out for the remainder of the season, Jeremie Frimpong has been sidelined due to a groin injury, and Joe Gomez is dealing with a knock.
Striker Alexander Isak and center-back Giovanni Leoni also remain long-term absentees, further testing the squad’s depth.
Despite the recent setbacks, Slot expressed confidence in his approach and his players. “It’s different to lead the team after a loss or multiple losses and draws than a win, but I don’t think anybody in this building thinks I’ve completely changed,” he added. “There’s still a possibility that we can do something special this season.”
