Liverpool manager Arne Slot says this season has been the toughest of his career “by a mile” and admits his team are not playing to Liverpool’s standards. After losing to Manchester City, the Premier League champions sit sixth in the table, four points behind Chelsea and level on points with Brentford.
Slot, who replaced Jurgen Klopp in 2024 and won the league title in his first season, says this campaign has been very different. Despite spending nearly £450m on new players, including a club-record £125m signing of Alexander Isak, Liverpool have struggled for consistency in the 2025-26 season.
The Reds have won 11, drawn six and lost eight league games so far. Slot said losing games regularly is something he is not used to and that even draws feel like defeats. He added that the players know what Liverpool’s standards are and are disappointed they are not meeting them.
Slot warned that failing to qualify for the Champions League would mean the season has not been acceptable, stressing how important Champions League football is for the club. Liverpool now face Sunderland away, with Slot dealing with several injuries and suspensions in his squad.
Despite the struggles, Slot says there is still a chance for Liverpool to do something special this season.
