Arne Slot allowed himself a small smile when he admitted Tuesday that this season tested him “by a mile.”
Even if Slot achieves great success in the future, this campaign has pushed the Dutchman to unprecedented limits.
After winning the Premier League in his first season at Liverpool, he now faces a torrent of setbacks, bad luck, and blows to the team.
Liverpool’s Struggles on Paper
The statistics paint a grim picture. Liverpool won their first five league games this season but only collected 24 points from the next 20 matches.
By comparison, Roy Hodgson earned 25 points in 20 games before being dismissed as Liverpool manager in 2010-11.
In 2026 alone, the club has won just one of seven league fixtures. Earlier this season, nine defeats in 12 games marked their worst run in 71 years.
Roy Keane called Liverpool “really bad champions” on Sky Sports after their eighth league loss of the season.
Slot admitted that such numbers are unacceptable, particularly after the £450 million summer spending spree. He also stated failing to qualify for the Champions League would not be tolerable.
Rivals like Chelsea and Manchester United have also endured poor spells, keeping Liverpool in contention despite their struggles. Both clubs sacked managers amid breakdowns with senior leadership.
Slot Still Has Backing but Must Improve Results
Slot has significant credit due to his accomplishments. At 47, he is one of only three managers to win the league since 2017-18, alongside Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool previously recovered from poor midseason performances under Klopp. In 2020-21, they ranked eighth after 28 games but rallied to finish third after earning 26 points in the final 30 matches.
Slot insists that missing the Champions League this season would be unacceptable. When asked about the potential impact on his position, he highlighted that he does not control his own future.
He explained that Liverpool considers progress, circumstances, and player development alongside results when evaluating managers. Slot emphasized that the club historically supports its coaches even after setbacks.
Stability at Anfield
Liverpool rarely dismiss managers. The Anfield hierarchy reportedly stands behind Slot, at least until the end of the season.
A recent video posted on Liverpool’s social channels showed a candid discussion between Slot, sporting director Richard Hughes, and CEO Billy Hogan. The footage demonstrated a strong working relationship. Hughes played a key role in hiring Slot, and removing him now would imply a failed appointment.
Despite support, the club recognizes the need for better results. Slot feels the pressure from both the fans and internal expectations. Boos have become more common at Anfield this season, although they remain rare overall.
Slot maintains calmness off-camera, and he focuses on consistency. However, he admits it pains him to hear claims that Liverpool’s football appears “dull.” He insists the team can still achieve something special.
Tragedy and Challenges
Liverpool have faced significant obstacles beyond results. The death of Diogo Jota last summer deeply affected the squad. Former goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher noted the emotional toll meant football mattered less during this period.
Slot described meeting players after Jota’s funeral as one of the hardest moments of his career. While the club refuses to use tragedy as an excuse, its impact on performance cannot be ignored.
Injuries have compounded challenges. Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley, and Alexander Isak all face long-term absences. Liverpool are also transitioning to a squad built for technical football rather than physicality, reflecting a long-term vision.
The dip in form of key players has added to difficulties. A combination of injuries, grief, tactical transition, and individual form explains the team’s current struggles. Yet with the quality in the squad, Slot agrees the champions are underperforming relative to Liverpool standards.
He claimed Liverpool were only outplayed in three halves this season, though that statement appears unlikely given eight losses and six draws in 25 games.
The Path Forward
Slot acknowledges the team must aim for near perfection. He wants to determine whether misfortune or identity defines their struggles over the next three to four months.
Liverpool remain in contention for the FA Cup and Champions League. Their primary goal is securing Champions League qualification next season, crucial for the club’s financial model.
The team starts this push with a trip to Sunderland, needing consistent top-level performances.
Speculation continues after Xabi Alonso left Real Madrid, with former Liverpool midfielder linked to the manager role. However, Slot boasts the highest win percentage in Liverpool history at 61 percent, making the club’s backing understandable for now.
