Arne Slot has admitted that Liverpool are currently falling short of the club’s traditionally high standards, describing the ongoing campaign as the most challenging season of his managerial career.
The reigning champions have endured a difficult spell in the Premier League, winning just one of their last seven matches. Late goals conceded against Fulham and Manchester City have compounded their frustrations, leaving Liverpool sixth in the table and 17 points behind leaders Arsenal.
Read our round-up of Arne Slot’s press conference on the eve of Liverpool's visit to Sunderland ⤵️ #SUNLIV
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Speaking to reporters, Slot acknowledged the emotional toll of the recent run on both players and staff.
“A draw feels like a loss at this club,” he said. “That is not easy for the players because they know what the standards of Liverpool mean. At the moment, we are not performing to those standards, and they feel that disappointment.”
Despite believing his side can compete with the best teams in the world, the Dutch manager conceded that performances have not translated into results.
“Every game it feels as though we are going to win it, but it does not happen. Performance-wise, we can compete with any team, but the reality is that we are not performing to Liverpool standards,” he added.
Slot agreed that this season represents the toughest period of his coaching career by some distance. Having enjoyed largely positive campaigns previously, he admitted the current run of defeats and draws has been unfamiliar territory.
“This is an exception for me and for the players. We are not used to losing a lot or drawing a lot. I am not used to that either,” he said.
The Liverpool manager also questioned whether misfortune has played a role, highlighting a pattern of conceding late goals despite tactical adjustments.
“The amount of times we have conceded late goals is far more than usual. Is it bad luck or are we to blame? I have tried many different things, including defensive substitutions, and still the ball has gone in,” Slot reflected.
Attention now turns to Wednesday’s away fixture against Sunderland, currently the only Premier League side still unbeaten at home this season. Slot acknowledged the scale of the challenge but insisted there remains a belief within the squad.
“They have already faced City and Arsenal at home, so that tells you how strong they are,” he said. “But there is still a possibility we can do something special this season.”
