Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted that the current campaign is the toughest of his managerial career, conceding that his side are falling short of the club’s standards following their latest setback.
The Reds’ defeat by Manchester City on Sunday left the reigning Premier League champions sixth on the table, four points behind fifth-placed Chelsea. Liverpool are level on points with seventh-placed Brentford and would have dropped below them on goal difference had Rayan Cherki’s late third goal for City not been disallowed.
Slot, who replaced Jurgen Klopp in June 2024, enjoyed a remarkable debut season by leading Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th top-flight title. However, the club has struggled this term despite spending close to £450 million on new signings during the summer transfer window, including a British record £125 million deal for striker Alexander Isak.
Liverpool have so far won 11 matches, drawn six and lost eight in the 2025–26 Premier League season.
Asked by BBC Sport on Tuesday whether this was the toughest season he has had, Slot said: “By a mile. 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.
“I don’t think we feel we’ve only lost two of our last 17. A draw feels like a loss.
