Liverpool’s Jota Loss Remains Impossible to Measure, Says Slot

Liverpool are still grappling with the aftershocks of Diogo Jota’s tragic death, and the true impact on the club is “impossible to measure,” according to manager Arne Slot. The Portuguese forward’s passing in a car accident last summer continues to cast a shadow over Anfield, both emotionally and on the pitch, as the Premier League champions face a challenging period of inconsistent form.

Diogo Jota’s Absence Still Haunts Liverpool’s Season

Diogo Jota’s loss is felt deeply within the Liverpool squad. Slot openly admits that quantifying how much the Reds miss Jota’s flair and personality is an impossible task. The team’s recent performances have been well below the expectations of a reigning champion: Liverpool have lost six of their last seven games in all competitions, including disappointing 3-0 defeats to both Manchester City and Crystal Palace. Their defensive record is a particular concern, with only three clean sheets in 11 Premier League matches and a dangerous habit of conceding early goals, forcing the team into constant rescue missions.

Despite these troubles, Liverpool showed flashes of their potential with a thrilling win over Real Madrid earlier this month. Yet, these moments have been rare, leaving fans and players alike searching for consistency in a campaign overshadowed by grief.

Robertson’s Emotional Tribute Highlights Jota’s Impact

The depth of Jota’s influence was made clear by Andy Robertson, who paid an emotional tribute after Scotland’s 4-2 victory over Denmark—a result that secured their place at the 2026 World Cup. Robertson revealed that the memory of Jota was at the forefront of his mind throughout the day, describing himself as “in bits” and dedicating the win to his late friend. Their shared dream of World Cup football, denied to both in 2022 due to injury and qualification heartbreak, adds another layer of poignancy to Jota’s absence.

Robertson’s words illustrate how Jota’s death has resonated far beyond the loss of a talented player. His presence in the dressing room and on the training field is sorely missed, with Liverpool’s squad and staff continuing to mourn his absence.

Arne Slot: “We’ll Never Use Jota’s Death as an Excuse”

Slot has made it clear that, while grief remains a part of Liverpool’s reality, it cannot serve as an alibi for poor results. “It is impossible to measure what it does to the players and to our results. The last thing I would do is use it as an excuse,” Slot said. He acknowledged the emotional weight the squad carries but emphasizes the need to focus on the future: “That we will miss the player and the person is completely clear. But I cannot measure the impact that has on our results. We will never use it as an excuse.”

Slot also reflected on the personal side of loss, noting that, while the pain for Jota’s family is far deeper, his memory remains an important part of Liverpool’s identity. “It is good for us to remember him at all times. It is possible because of the person and player he was,” he added.

Liverpool’s Defensive Struggles Continue

The shadow of Jota’s absence is compounded by Liverpool’s defensive issues. The team has struggled to keep clean sheets this season, and the tendency to concede early goals puts extra pressure on their attack. Injuries have added to the woes, with Conor Bradley and Florian Wirtz both sidelined after the international break, and Jeremie Frimpong still recovering from a hamstring issue. The return of goalkeeper Alisson offers hope, but stability has proven elusive.

Key Players Return Ahead of Nottingham Forest Clash

Liverpool prepare to host Nottingham Forest at Anfield, with Slot offering mixed team news. While Alisson’s recovery from a hamstring injury is a major boost, the absence of Bradley and Wirtz—alongside Frimpong’s ongoing injury—leaves the squad stretched, especially at right-back. On a more positive note, Alexander Isak is fit again and could play a crucial role up front as he seeks to justify his high-profile move from Newcastle.

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Opinion: Time to Honour Jota by Moving Forward

Liverpool’s struggle to move past Diogo Jota’s death is both understandable and deeply human. The emotional scars are plain to see, affecting performances and morale. However, as Slot insists, the team must now find resilience—not to forget Jota, but to honour his memory through unity and renewed determination. The path ahead is challenging, but Liverpool’s best tribute will be to rediscover their championship mentality and let Jota’s spirit inspire their revival.