Liverpool Struggling Under Arne Slot
Liverpool manager Arne Slot says the 2025-26 season is the toughest of his managerial career, “by a mile.” He admitted his team is not living up to the high standards expected at Anfield.
Sunday’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester City leaves Liverpool sixth in the Premier League, four points behind fifth-placed Chelsea. They are level on points with seventh-placed Brentford but avoided dropping below them on goal difference after a late City goal was disallowed.
Slot took over from Jurgen Klopp in June 2024 and won a record-equalling 20th league title in his first season. However, this year’s campaign has been challenging despite almost £450 million spent on new signings, including a British record £125 million for striker Alexander Isak.
A Season Full of Challenges
So far in the league, Liverpool have won 11 matches, drawn six, and lost eight. When asked by BBC Sport if this was his toughest season, Slot said, “By a mile. All my previous seasons had only positives. I don’t think I’ve ever lost two games in a row until now.”
He added, “Even a draw feels like a loss. The players know Liverpool’s standards, and we aren’t meeting them. They feel that disappointment.”
With five Premier League teams expected to qualify for next season’s Champions League instead of four, Slot knows the stakes are high.
Champions League Crucial for Liverpool
Slot emphasized that missing out on Champions League football would make the season unacceptable. “When I arrived here after only signing Federico Chiesa, it was after a Europa League season. That has a huge impact on the club’s operations. I’m fully aware of that.”
Liverpool travel to Sunderland on Wednesday at 20:15 GMT. The team faces injury and suspension issues. Dominik Szoboszlai, who has been covering at right-back, is suspended. Conor Bradley is out for the season, Jeremie Frimpong has a groin injury, and Joe Gomez is recovering from a knock. Long-term absentees also include Isak and centre-back Giovanni Leoni.
Slot Still Optimistic
Despite the struggles, Slot remains hopeful. “It’s different leading the team after losses, but nothing about my approach has completely changed. We still have a chance to do something special this season,” he said.
