Liverpool has been delayed in its pursuit of the Champions League places, but Arne Slot should still be confident of securing that minimum aim when the season finishes
19:17, 03 May 2026
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Liverpool may have been delayed by a disappointing defeat against Manchester United but Arne Slot's side is still set to qualify for the Champions League next season.
That, of course, was far from the aim at the start of the campaign, but several setbacks later, it is the reality. At Christmas, finishing inside the top five places felt a long way off, but it now feels like a result. Crucially, it should still be secured from here.
After Bournemouth beat Crystal Palace by three goals to nil earlier on Sunday, the gap is now five points to the Cherries with three games each left to play. Andoni Iraola's side is the biggest remaining threat to stave off in the standings.
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Liverpool needs a maximum of four points from here to confirm its spot in the Champions League places. That would take it to 62 points, meaning Bournemouth would be unable to catch up.
If Liverpool only gets one more point, Brentford could jump ahead, but the pair meet on the final day of the season at Anfield.
Chelsea could reach 60 points (two more than Slot's men have now), but the Reds have a better goal difference. They meet next week in a game that could put the Stamford Bridge outfit out of contention.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and midfielder Dominik Szobsozlai.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and midfielder Dominik Szobsozlai.(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
So, while Liverpool has a very slim chance of finishing above Manchester United now this season, it does look set to qualify for UEFA's premier competition. That, of course, will come as a big relief.
"I don't focus on next season," Dominik Szobsoszlai insisted at the final whistle. "I focus on these three games. We want Champions League next season because we belong there, but we'll see what happens in the future."
Arne Slot, meanwhile, was also focused on the present. His team was missing a number of key men (mainly goalkeepers and forwards) but he wanted to see them defend better, especially in the first half.
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"We weren't able to control their strengths," Slot admitted. "We were aware of them — set-pieces and counter-attack.
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"You have to know where to lose the ball if you play against Manchester United. They are really strong when they play into the middle.
"They have so many fast players. Bruno Fernandes can hurt you in transition and that's exactly what happened with the second goal.
"That is what happens. We were 2-0 down, came back in the second half to 2-2 and then we shut off and immediately conceded the goal."