Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted his side are falling short of the club’s demanding standards after a difficult run of results in the Premier League, describing the current campaign as the toughest of his managerial career.

The defending champions have managed just one win in their last seven league matches, with late goals against Fulham and Manchester City costing them valuable points. Liverpool sit sixth in the table, 17 points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

“At this club, a draw feels like a loss,” Slot told reporters on Tuesday. “That’s not easy for the players because they know exactly what Liverpool standards are, and at the moment we’re not meeting them. They feel that disappointment.”

“Every game it feels like we’re going to win, but it doesn’t happen,” he added. “Performance-wise, the players believe they can compete with any team in the world. But the reality is that we’re not performing to Liverpool standards.”

Asked whether this season has been the most challenging of his career, Slot did not hesitate.

“That’s fair to say by a mile,” he said. “In all my previous seasons as a manager, there were mostly positives. I don’t think I’d ever lost two games in a row before. This season is an exception — for me and for the players. We’re not used to losing or drawing so many matches.”

Slot, who guided Liverpool to the Premier League title last season, also questioned whether misfortune has played a role in their struggles.

“The number of late goals we’ve conceded in stoppage time is far higher than usual,” the Dutchman said. “Is it bad luck, or are we to blame? I’ve tried different approaches, made defensive substitutions, and still the ball goes in.”

Liverpool face another stern test on Wednesday when they travel to Sunderland, the only Premier League side yet to lose a home game this season.

“They’ve already played City and Arsenal at home, which tells you a lot about how strong they are,” Slot said. “But there’s still a possibility we can do something special this season.”