EPL: Liverpool Not Meeting High Standards Sunderland Visit a Big Test — Arne Slot

Arne Slot admits Liverpool struggling, faces tough test at Sunderland

Liverpool manager Arne Slot admits team struggling, faces tough test at Sunderland. Liverpool's poor form continues, visit unbeaten Sunderland in Premier League.

“It's an exception for me this season and it is for the players, they are not used to losing a lot or having a lot of draws. I am not used to that either...”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot is disappointed with his team's recent performances, stating they're not meeting the club's high standards. This comes after winning only one of their last seven Premier League games, with late goals against Fulham and Manchester City costing them victories. Currently sixth in the league, Liverpool trails leaders Arsenal by 17 points.

Read our round-up of Arne Slot’s press conference on the eve of Liverpool's visit to Sunderland ⤵️ #SUNLIV

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 10, 2026

 

Slot described this season as his most challenging ever, saying a draw feels like a loss at Liverpool due to the high expectations. He's puzzled by the team's struggles, especially conceding late goals, and is exploring different strategies to turn things around.

“A draw feels ‌like a loss at this club. That's definitely not easy for players as well because they know what the standards of Liverpool mean, and we are not performing to the standards of Liverpool at the ⁠moment and they feel that disappointment,” Slot told reporters on Tuesday.

“Every game it ‌feels as though we are going to win it but it doesn't happen... (the ​players) feel performance wise that they can compete with any other team in any league in the world. But reality is that we don't perform to Liverpool standards.”

When asked if this was his toughest season, Slot said “yes” – he's finding it really tough managing Liverpool's drop in form.

“That's fair to say by a mile. ‌All of the other seasons I have managed there were only positives, I don't think I have ever lost two games in a row,” said Slot, who led Liverpool to the Premier League title ⁠last season.

“It's an exception for me this season and it is for the players, they are not used to losing a lot or having a lot of draws. I am not used to that either.”

Slot's questioning if Liverpool's struggles are partly due to bad luck, citing those late conceded goals against Fulham and Man City. He's trying to figure out what's going on.

“The amount of times we have conceded late goals in extra time is far more than usual, is it bad luck or are we to blame? I have tried many different things, I have made defensive substitutions and the ball went ⁠in,” the Dutchman said.

Arne Slot described Sunderland as a “difficult team to play against” due to their strong home record and resilient playing style. Sunderland remains the only Premier League team unbeaten at home this season, with seven wins and five draws.

Liverpool will face a tough test at the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland's defensive solidity and high-pressing game making them a challenging opponent. Slot praised Sunderland's mentality and work rate, highlighting their ability to combine strong defense with a high-paced attacking style.

“They have already played against City and Arsenal at home so that tells you how good a season they are having and how strong they are at ⁠home,” Slot said.

“There's still a possibility we can do something special this season as well.”