Arne Slot admitted Tuesday that this campaign feels “by a mile” the toughest of his managerial career. After clinching the Premier League in his debut season, the Dutchman now faces a reality where missing the Champions League would be “definitely not acceptable”. Liverpool have amassed just 24 points from their last 20 league games, a return that starkly contrasts with their £450m summer outlay.

Since the opening five victories, Liverpool’s form has collapsed to one win in seven league fixtures and a nine‑defeat run that ranks as their worst in 71 years. Roy Hodgson collected 25 points from 20 games before his 2010‑11 dismissal, highlighting how far the Reds have slipped. Injuries to Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Alexander Isak, plus Diogo Jota’s tragic death, have compounded the slump.

Despite the turmoil, the Anfield hierarchy has signalled continued faith. Slot’s 61% win rate remains the highest in Liverpool’s modern era, outpacing even Jurgen Klopp. He stresses the need for “near‑perfection” as the club eyes a Sunderland trip that could revive fortunes. As of now, Slot retains his contract through season’s end, with no immediate threat of dismissal.