Arne Slot Admits Liverpool Defeat to Brighton ‘Hurts a Lot’ in Champions League Race

• Liverpool’s 2-1 loss to Brighton damages their push for a top-four finish
• Arne Slot says dropped points in recent games are a bigger concern
• Injuries and squad challenges highlighted but manager admits season “not good enough”

Arne Slot said Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion “hurts a lot” as their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League suffered a significant setback.

Danny Welbeck scored twice at the Amex Stadium to secure victory for Brighton, leaving Liverpool under pressure in the race for a top-four finish.

“Of course now looking at the league table, this loss hurts a lot and it should hurt us a lot,” Slot said. “But the main problem is that we are in this position because we dropped a point at Wolves in the last minute and conceded late against Tottenham. That is an even bigger problem than losing away at Brighton.”

Liverpool were without key players including Mohamed Salah and Alisson Becker, while Hugo Ekitike was forced off early with a knock.

Slot acknowledged expectations remain high following significant transfer spending, but pointed to player sales and injuries as part of the context behind their struggles.

“No one in England is used to a club also selling players,” he said. “We spent a lot, but we also sold for a large amount. Still, it’s not good enough for the position we are in right now.”

Providing a fitness update, Slot confirmed Alisson will miss the international break, while Ekitike’s injury is not considered serious.

Liverpool now face a crucial period as they attempt to recover momentum and keep their Champions League ambitions alive.