Arne Slot admits Champions League qualification should not be viewed as a "step forward" for Liverpool, but he is under no illusions as to the importance of sealing a top-five Premier League finish.
Liverpool face rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, when they could, depending on Saturday's results, confirm their spot in UEFA's premier club competition for next season.
The Reds started 2025-26 with far loftier ambitions, though, having spent over £400m to bolster their title-winning squad with several big-money signings, including Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.
And while Slot does not believe a top-five finish is something for last season's champions to celebrate, he is also aware that falling short would be a major problem.
"I wouldn't say it's a step forward, but it's the right step to make. We know how important it is to qualify for the Champions League, for any club, but definitely for our club," Slot said.
"It's an important step; it's definitely not a step backwards. I think we can be on a much higher level than we are now.
"If you simply look at the results, then we can be very positive. It's three wins out of three, but performance-wise, I don't think it has been our three best performances of the season.
"We've shown already that we can play much better, but in many of these games we were very unlucky with the outcomes.
"In the last three games, I wouldn't say we did not deserve to win, but we were more lucky than we've ever been this season."
Liverpool have won their last three Premier League games, against Fulham, Everton and Crystal Palace. Their only longer winning run this season came when they won their opening five matches, though they have only won one of their last 12 games against sides starting the day in the top three (D7 L4).
And Slot knows even a victory over United would not be enough to quiet his critics, with his long-term future at Anfield becoming a subject of debate among supporters.
"Every week we need to prove ourselves, not only for the players, but for me as well," he said.
"That is not only when we play United, but also when we play Fulham or Palace. That is the way our lives are.
"We have to prove ourselves every three days, and people judge us every three days. That is completely fair; we know this when we go into the job.
"I think it is for you guys to judge if I have been too harshly judged by many people. That's not up to me.
"I judge my players, if they play well, if they are working hard and executing tactics. I'm not in this job to judge whether I'm criticised too harshly, that's not the way I spend my time."
Liverpool won 3-0 at Old Trafford last season, so Slot has a chance to become the first-ever Liverpool manager to win his first two away league games against United.
However, United have won the third-most home points in the Premier League this season (36), whereas last term, they were 14th in the home table with 24 points.
The Red Devils have won six of their last seven at Old Trafford, losing the other to Leeds United.
luwabdos
1
pls call back jurgen klopp lead the club again
hunacins
0
Critics are just too harsh on Slot, the season didn't go as planned agreed, so what's next? we regroup and audit our performance,see the area that needs to be improved upon, work on it,get your transfer business done early,then start your preseason in ernest. LFC owners and management knows that stuff like this happen,you plans A and at the end B happens. For those of you LFC fans clamoring for the coach to be sack, you need a serious reminder, that we LFC don't operate that way,we don't,"hire and fire" if want that approach, my brother you need to relocate your support to the blue side of London, I didn't call name ooo. Don't forget too soon, that our Legendary coach Klop,gave us our first trophy after 4 to 5 years. Please, guys kindly give the coach some breathing space, so that he can focus on the task giving to him. I so much believe in LFC board, and if the board says his okay,then to me his good to go. If think it's easy to win EPl in your first year in the league,then you must be kidding me. LFC for life,Anfied is our Cathedral.
It didn't go as planned for Man U; it didn't go as planned for City; but they rallied round and are getting results! Since the beginning of the season Slot has been experimenting at the right back even though the problem was there towards the end of last season. Say something else, brother!
hunacins
0
Problem with Liverpool is that they're not organised. Edwards, Hughes and Slot are confused. City is going for Forest's Anderson. They know what they want and go for it. If possible, from the Premier League! They don't dilly dally.
AbhijitChatterjee
1
jizdmoptuz
0
Liverpool doesn't need the toothlessness Dutch football Slot has to go
bueaiostz
0
Or may be you should support a club that you can bail on when they lose- I know that’s not my Liverpool..
did I say anything about my team, been supporting this team for 35 yrs
neoaeintu
0
Until slot drive Liverpool to the point where Van Gaal and ten Hag took Man United to with their Dutch toothless attacking football, the management will then begin to press the panic button.
ribbdilmn
0
you just need to go to a club thats on your level
Or may be you should support a club that you can bail on when they lose- I know that’s not my Liverpool..
Femcirsyz
0
exactly we need this coach mindless out of our team please owners hearing to us
necacilouz
2
I am a Liverpool fan from all the way back. you still haven't wins a title on your own yet. as if it wasn't for klopp playing formation that you uses,you wouldn't win a thing
Zonblnstuz
0
Stubborn average and clueless coach
for sure
Zonblnstuz
6
useless coach
hozdklosu
0
Stupid coach leave my club, it’s not a step forward or backwards but it’s an important step which is it lunatic
Martins08
0
Stubborn average and clueless coach
Zaabrstu
1
You talk some small sense this time.
Suebcemnp
4
Critics are just too harsh on Slot, the season didn't go as planned agreed, so what's next? we regroup and audit our performance,see the area that needs to be improved upon, work on it,get your transfer business done early,then start your preseason in ernest. LFC owners and management knows that stuff like this happen,you plans A and at the end B happens. For those of you LFC fans clamoring for the coach to be sack, you need a serious reminder, that we LFC don't operate that way,we don't,"hire and fire" if want that approach, my brother you need to relocate your support to the blue side of London, I didn't call name ooo. Don't forget too soon, that our Legendary coach Klop,gave us our first trophy after 4 to 5 years. Please, guys kindly give the coach some breathing space, so that he can focus on the task giving to him. I so much believe in LFC board, and if the board says his okay,then to me his good to go. If think it's easy to win EPl in your first year in the league,then you must be kidding me. LFC for life,Anfied is our Cathedral.
bueaiostz
6
you just need to go to a club thats on your level
nupiklmnpy
2
no one celebrate..who celebrate???maybe only you..
Ayobamiadeayo
2
lol 😂 I just love this man
Widbiltz
6
It irritates me when I see this incompetent Slot's talking about Liverpool. I want him out of my team