Slot admits Liverpool season falling short as pressure grows

• Arne Slot said this season has been the most difficult of his managerial career.
• Liverpool sit sixth after 25 matches and face a significant gap to the Champions League places.
• Slot said near perfect form is required across the remaining fixtures.

In the most recent news conference, Slot calls the current campaign the toughest of his career as Liverpool slip to sixth.

Arne Slot said the current season represents the hardest challenge of his managerial career as Liverpool continue to struggle for consistency in the Premier League.

Liverpool are sixth after 25 matches, 17 points behind leaders Arsenal. Slot said recent performances have fallen short of the club’s expectations.

“Last season we won the league,” Slot said. “This season the players are not performing to Liverpool’s standards.”

Asked about the personal toll of the campaign, Slot was direct.

“This has been my toughest season by a mile,” he said.

Liverpool have dropped points late in matches on several occasions. Slot said the remaining months will show whether those moments reflect misfortune or deeper issues.

“The next three or four months will show if we were unlucky or if this is part of who we are,” he said.

Slot said qualification for the Champions League remains possible but only with a sustained run of results.

“We have to be close to perfection to get back into those places,” he said.

On team news, Slot confirmed Joe Gomez returned to training following his latest injury. He said uncertainty remains over selection at right back.

“I have used six different players there this season,” Slot said. “Today we will see who is available.”

Liverpool face a demanding schedule as they attempt to recover ground in the closing stages of the campaign.