Arne Slot has insisted his future at Liverpool won't hinge purely on Champions League qualification, despite conceding the campaign will only prove "acceptable" if the Reds secure their return to Europe's premier competition. Following Sunday's damaging 2-1 home loss to Manchester City, Liverpool's grip on a top-four spot has loosened considerably, leaving them facing an uphill battle to guarantee their place amongst the continent's elite.

The Merseysiders have managed just six victories from their previous 20 Premier League matches, and travel to Sunderland on Wednesday having secured only a solitary win from seven league fixtures since the new year began. Under Jurgen Klopp, Slot's predecessor, the club twice failed to qualify for the Champions League during his nine-year reign, though on both occasions the club bounced back immediately the following season.

With fifth position potentially proving sufficient for qualification, as England appear set to claim an additional spot this season, Liverpool must overhaul at least one of Aston Villa, Manchester United or Chelsea to reach their objective.

When pressed on whether Champions League qualification was intrinsically tied to his tenure in the Anfield dugout, as has been reported this...