Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has acknowledged the profound and ongoing impact of Diogo Jota's tragic death on his players, while firmly stating the club will never use their grief as an excuse for a recent downturn in form.
Robertson's Emotional Revelation
The issue was brought starkly into the public eye by Scotland and Liverpool captain Andy Robertson, who revealed he was "in bits" before his country's dramatic World Cup qualifying win over Denmark, consumed by thoughts of his late teammate. Robertson confessed to being "in a bit of trouble" with the overwhelming feelings he experienced alone in his hotel room.
Jota, the Portugal international, died in a car crash alongside his brother, Andre Silva, in July. While Liverpool's impressive seven-match winning run at the start of the season provided a temporary shield, the subsequent run of seven defeats in ten matches has raised questions about the emotional toll of the tragedy.
Slot's Measured Response
Addressing Robertson's comments, Slot confirmed the issue is a significant one for the squad. "I saw the interview as well and I know that it is an issue for us, which is completely normal," the Dutch manager stated.
He expressed that it is good to remember Jota for the person and player he was, but emphasised the impossibility of quantifying the emotional impact on performances. "The last thing I would do is use it as an excuse because I simply don't know," Slot said. "What I do know is we miss the player, that is 100 per cent sure, and we also miss the person."
Slot also touched upon the poignant tribute from supporters, who sing Jota's song in the 20th minute of matches – corresponding to his shirt number – suggesting it may unintentionally serve as a painful reminder to the players on the pitch.
Injury Crisis Compounds Problems
Slot's challenge of reversing the team's fortunes is compounded by a fresh injury crisis. Playmaker Florian Wirtz and right-back Conor Bradley are both sidelined with muscle injuries, with Bradley expected to be out for three weeks.
The only positive news is the return of goalkeeper Alisson Becker after an eight-match absence with a hamstring problem. With alternative right-back Jeremie Frimpong still two weeks from fitness, Slot faces a selection headache. He has previously used midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai in the role, but the Hungarian captain has been most effective in his natural advanced position, potentially forcing Slot to consider Curtis Jones or Joe Gomez as makeshift solutions for the upcoming match against Nottingham Forest.
