Liverpool require 'perfection' to secure Champions League spot, concedes Slot

Arne Slot acknowledged on Tuesday that his team is "not meeting Liverpool's expected standards" and must achieve near perfection for the rest of the season to even qualify for the Champions League.

The current English champions are positioned sixth in the Premier League, four points behind the top five spots that should guarantee Champions League participation next season.

The Reds allowed two goals in a tense finish to suffer a 2-1 defeat against Manchester City on Sunday, yet it is the broader pattern that troubles Slot the most.

Liverpool have secured victory in only six of their previous 20 league matches since September and just one out of seven in 2026.

"They understand the expectations at Liverpool, and right now we are falling short of those levels, which brings them that sense of frustration," Slot commented during his pre-match press briefing before Wednesdays journey to Sunderland.

"In every match, it seems like victory is within reach, but it slips away. That is likely tougher than facing a game where you sense throughout that the opponents are superior and you simply cannot match them.

"However, that is not their perception. They believe their performances allow them to challenge any side in any competition globally.

"Yet the truth is we are not upholding Liverpool's required standards."

League leaders Arsenal and City are anticipated to compete fiercely for the title, leaving three additional Champions League berths available among four probable challengers.

Third placed Aston Villa lead Liverpool by eight points, with impressive Manchester United trailing by three more in fourth and Chelsea holding fifth.

"To narrow the distance to third, fourth and fifth, it demands a string of wins, which we have not achieved this campaign," Slot continued.

"That is precisely why improvement is essential, and why we must approach perfection."

Dominik Szoboszlais ban due to a red card versus City presents yet another challenge for Slots lineup choices.

The Hungarian has been covering at right-back lately, with Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong sidelined by injuries.

Joe Gomez has recently resumed training, so either midfielder Curtis Jones or Wataru Endo is poised to feature in defence against Sunderland, a team that maintains the sole unbeaten record at home in the Premier League this term.