Arne Slot, the managerial figurehead of Liverpool, has urged his players to embrace their feelings and be true to themselves following the tragic passing of their teammate, Diogo Jota. The Portuguese forward’s untimely death in a car accident alongside his brother, Andre Silva, on the 3rd of July in Zamora, Spain, has left a profound impact on the team. Slot believes that addressing such emotions is a critical part of the healing process for his squad.
In a heartfelt interview with Liverpool TV, Slot emphasized the importance of being authentic in the wake of their loss. “If we want to laugh, we laugh; if we want to cry, we will cry,” he expressed. This compassionate approach is crucial as the team prepares for their first pre-season match against Preston North End, scheduled for Sunday at 15:00 BST. The game represents a significant step towards normalcy for the players, who are still grappling with the emotional fallout from Jota’s passing.
The heartfelt nature of Slot’s remarks highlights that mending the emotional wounds is as vital as physical training for the team. He conveyed that players could choose to participate in training when they feel ready or opt out if they were not emotionally prepared. “But be yourself; don’t think you have to act differently from what your emotions dictate,” he advised, underlining the necessity for players to navigate their grief in their own unique ways.
Liverpool recently paid their respects during the funeral of the brothers, which took place in Gondomar, their hometown. A considerable contingent from Liverpool, including Slot himself, attended the somber occasion to honor the memory of the duo. Tributes have also poured in since the tragedy, including floral arrangements at Anfield, with Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, and family members joining Liverpool’s squad to commemorate Jota’s life.
Adding to the emotional atmosphere, Liverpool have made the decision to retire Jota’s number 20 shirt across all their teams—men’s, women’s, and the academy—an honor reflecting his contributions to the club. In recognition of his time there, Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool and played a pivotal role in the club’s victory in the FA Cup, League Cup, and their Premier League title run last season.
As Slot articulated, the forthcoming match against Preston will include tributes to Jota, such as the playing of Liverpool’s anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” and a minute’s silence. Both teams are expected to wear black armbands as a mark of respect, showcasing the solidarity within the football community during this trying time.
Slot acknowledged the challenges of continuing with their routine while grappling with immense grief. “Nothing seems important when reflecting on what has happened,” he said, indicating the internal struggle to balance professional obligations with personal sadness. Nevertheless, he recognizes the necessity to return to the field. “We are a football club, and we need to train and prepare for our games, whether we feel like it or not,” he said.
Slot encouraged his players to embody the spirit of Jota, who was known for his authenticity and genuine demeanor. “Let us try to be ourselves,” he remarked, suggesting that honoring Jota’s memory could align with the players regaining their collective focus. Overall, the ongoing tributes and emotional discussions within the team signify their strong bond and commitment to support one another as they navigate this difficult chapter.
Jota’s last international appearance came during the Nations League final on June 8, where he helped Portugal secure victory against Spain. The tragedy that befell him and his brother will resonate deeply not only within Liverpool but across the wider football community, as their legacy continues to evoke admiration and respect.
