Liverpool’s Premier League campaign has been overshadowed by the tragic loss of forward Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident earlier this year. Speaking ahead of the weekend’s fixtures, manager Arne Slot said it is “impossible to measure” the grief his players continue to carry, but stressed that the club must remain focused on competing at the highest level ESPN This Is Anfield RTÉ.
Slot’s comments came after defender Andy Robertson gave an emotional interview following Scotland’s 4–2 victory over Denmark, in which he admitted being “in bits” thinking about Jota before the match. Robertson’s vulnerability highlighted the lingering emotional toll on Liverpool’s squad, who have endured a difficult run of results after a strong start to the season.
The Reds opened the campaign with a seven-match winning streak, but have since suffered seven defeats in their last 10 games, raising questions about whether grief has affected performance. Slot acknowledged the impact but emphasized resilience:
“We are always judged by results, but the grief is real. Still, it will never be an excuse,” he said.
Fans have continued to honor Jota by singing his chant in the 20th minute of matches, a gesture that Slot described as both moving and painful for the players. He admitted that while the support is appreciated, it also serves as a reminder of the void left by the Portuguese forward.
Liverpool currently sit eight points behind leaders Arsenal, and Slot faces the challenge of balancing emotional healing with tactical adjustments. Analysts note that Jota’s versatility in attack made him a crucial part of Liverpool’s system, and his absence has forced the team to rely more heavily on Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, and Cody Gakpo.
Despite the struggles, Slot reiterated his belief in the squad’s ability to recover: “We will keep fighting. Diogo’s spirit is with us, but we must move forward together.”
