Despite raw grief within the club, Klopp’s successor insists results must stand on merit — not mourning.
Slot Addresses Liverpool’s Struggles Amid Jota Tragedy
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has stated that the club “will never use” the grief over Diogo Jota’s death as an excuse for their recent poor run in the Premier League.
The club has lost five of their last six league games, prompting speculation if emotional strain is affecting performances.
A Loss the Club Feels Deeply
- Jota, a father of three, was killed in a car crash in Spain in July, alongside his brother André Silva.
- Slot remarked candidly that while the team misses him “100 per cent” — both as a player and a person — quantifying the emotional toll on results is “impossible.”
- He added that it would feel wrong to use such grief as a justification:
“What I do know is we miss the player … that is completely clear … but I cannot measure what impact that has on our performances … We will never use it as an excuse.”
Balancing Empathy and Accountability
Slot also expressed deep sympathy for Jota’s family:
“How much it feels for his wife and his children … that’s so much harder for them than it is for us.”
He emphasised that while the club honors Jota’s memory, they must continue to be judged on their footballing output:
“In these moments … we are always judged, sometimes fair, sometimes unfair … but we will never use it as an excuse.”
Looking Ahead
- Slot insists the focus must remain on the next game, not the title race.
- He has encouraged the squad to acknowledge their emotions, but also to return to playing with discipline and resilience.
- Meanwhile, Liverpool’s emotional tribute continues, but the manager’s message is clear: respect for Jota must coexist with professional responsibility.
