Arne Slot believes his Liverpool future won't be determined solely by Champions League qualification despite admitting this season will only be "acceptable" if a return to the competition is assured. The Reds face a difficult task retaining their place among Europe's elite after Sunday's 2-1 home defeat to Manchester City cut them adrift of the top four and a guaranteed berth.

Slot's side have now won only six of their last 20 Premier League matches and head to Sunderland on Wednesday having claimed just one victory in seven top-flight games since the turn of the year.

His predecessor Jurgen Klopp twice missed out on a Champions League spot during his nine-year tenure, although Liverpool made an immediate return the following campaign.

With fifth place likely to be sufficient for qualification given England...