Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted this season is his toughest campaign 'by a mile' as the Premier League champions struggle to secure Champions League qualification. The Reds sit sixth in the table, five points adrift of Manchester United in fourth after a 2-1 home defeat to Manchester City.

Slot faces mounting speculation about his position less than two years after replacing Jurgen Klopp. The Dutchman acknowledged the unprecedented challenge, noting he has never before lost two games in a row during his managerial career. With Aston Villa three points further ahead and United enjoying a revival under Michael Carrick, Slot knows his team needs 'perfection' to break into the top four.

Liverpool must bounce back against Sunderland on Wednesday without Dominik Szoboszlai, who received a controversial red card for pulling back Erling Haaland in stoppage time against City. The decision overshadowed Rayan Cherki's disallowed goal and has drawn widespread criticism. While Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool face 'a long way back' to secure Champions League football, Gary Neville remains more optimistic, emphasizing the need for composure and experience as the season reaches its critical phase.