Slot has openly admitted that if Liverpool miss out on playing in the UEFA Champions League next season, it would be a serious issue.
On 10 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Arne Slot, Liverpool's manager, gave his latest interview at a press conference ahead of their English Premier League away match against newly promoted Sunderland on Wednesday, 11 Feb 2026 GMT+7.
Currently, Liverpool sit 6th in the Premier League standings with 39 points, facing a tough battle to secure a ticket to next season's UEFA Champions League, while Sunderland are 9th with 36 points.
This situation puts Arne Slot under intense pressure after Liverpool invested nearly £450 million in new player signings, yet the results have not met expectations, even though he led the "Reds" to the Premier League title last season during his first year in charge following Jürgen Klopp.
Arne Slot admitted about managing Liverpool this season: "I can say this is the toughest season I have ever experienced. In other seasons I've managed teams, things were mostly positive. I don't think I've ever lost two games in a row before. This season is an exception for me and for the players."
"They are not used to losing or drawing multiple games. Neither am I. It's more of a challenge after you lose a football match to motivate them to keep fighting. After a win, I have to tell them we're not as good as they think. So this season has been more challenging for me as well."
Regarding the possibility of Liverpool missing out on next season's UEFA Champions League, Arne Slot acknowledged, "If we don't qualify for the Champions League, it certainly would not be an acceptable season."
"When I arrived here and signed Federico Chiesa, it was after the season we qualified for the Europa League. That significantly impacted the club's management, and I am well aware of that."