Arne Slot Reflects on the Absence of Diogo Jota

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed heartfelt sentiments about the loss of Diogo Jota, acknowledging the impact of his absence on both the team and his family.

Jota, the talented Portuguese winger, tragically passed away in a car accident last summer at the young age of 28. Slot stated, “It is completely normal for us to feel this loss, but I often think about how his wife and children must be coping. It is undoubtedly much harder for them than for us. We miss him not just as a player, but as a person as well.”

Former teammate Andy Robertson shared his own emotional struggle, revealing that he had been deeply affected throughout the day leading up to Scotland’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup after a thrilling victory against Denmark. “I couldn’t stop thinking of my friend Diogo Jota today. We often discussed our hopes for the World Cup, which he missed with Portugal, just as I did with Scotland. I know he would be proud of us today,” Robertson remarked.

As Liverpool faces Nottingham Forest this Saturday, they find themselves eighth in the Premier League table, having lost four of their last five matches. They recently suffered a 3-0 defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, leaving them eight points behind league leaders Arsenal. Reflecting on the upcoming match, Slot noted, “Against Nottingham Forest last season, Jota equalized just moments after coming on as a substitute. His contributions are sadly missed.”

In team news, Slot confirmed that goalkeeper Alisson Becker is fit to return after a six-week absence due to a hamstring injury. However, Conor Bradley and Florian Wirtz will remain sidelined with unspecified injuries.