Arne Slot has declared that Liverpool must strive for near "perfection" to secure Champions League qualification this season, acknowledging the high standards expected at Anfield. The Reds' manager tempered expectations after a recent defeat to Manchester City, a result that underscored the challenges facing the team as they fight for a top-four finish in the Premier League.

Liverpool currently sit sixth in the league, trailing Manchester United by five points for the fourth Champions League spot. Slot recognizes the difficulty of closing the gap on teams like Manchester United, Chelsea and Aston Villa, emphasizing the need for a significant winning streak. He stated that dropping points against teams higher in the table is more impactful than against those lower down, increasing the pressure to consistently secure victories.

"To close the gap to numbers three, four and five, that means you have to win a lot and that is not what we have done this season," Slot said. "That is why that has to be better and that is why we have to be close to perfection".

Slot acknowledged that the team is "not performing to the standards of Liverpool at the moment," and that the players are feeling the disappointment of not meeting those expectations. He noted that while they feel capable of competing with any team, the reality is that their performance has been inconsistent. The team's struggles are highlighted by the fact that they have won just six of their last 20 league games.

The defeat to Manchester City, sealed by a late penalty from Erling Haaland, marked the first time since 1936-37 that City achieved a league double over Liverpool. This loss further compounded Liverpool's woes, especially considering their tendency to concede late goals, already matching a Premier League record for conceding 90th-minute winners.

Adding to Slot's challenges, Liverpool is currently facing an injury crisis, particularly in defense. With long-term injuries to key players like Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni, and Jeremie Frimpong sidelined, the squad's depth is being tested. Slot admitted it would be "more difficult" if Liverpool sustain any further injuries. The club's failure to secure defensive reinforcements during the winter break has further complicated the situation.

Despite these challenges, Slot remains focused on improvement and has set his sights on Champions League qualification, suggesting the Reds would be active in the summer transfer market should they qualify. "If we don't have Champions League football, it's definitely not been an acceptable season," he declared. He recognized that Champions League qualification has a significant impact on the club's ability to attract top players.

Slot has described this season as the "toughest" of his managerial career. Despite the difficulties, he remains encouraged by the team's progress and is focused on maximizing their potential in the remaining matches. He emphasized the need to maintain the standards shown in recent games and to push themselves to finish as high as possible in the league.