Liverpool Still Struggling to Cope With Diogo Jota Loss

Liverpool continue to feel the profound absence of Diogo Jota, with manager Arne Slot admitting it is “impossible to measure” the true impact his tragic death has had on the squad, both on and off the pitch.

Liverpool’s Ongoing Grief After Diogo Jota’s Passing

Liverpool are still coming to terms with the loss of Diogo Jota, who passed away in a car accident in Spain in July 2025. The Portuguese forward’s influence transcended his obvious technical quality; his presence was a key source of energy and determination for the team. Manager Arne Slot, addressing the media this week, spoke candidly about the difficulty in assessing how deeply Jota’s passing has affected the squad. “We are always judged, sometimes fair, sometimes not. But when I saw Andy Robertson’s emotional interview, I was reminded again how real this loss is for us,” Slot explained. “We all miss him as a player and as a person. It is impossible to measure the impact, but we certainly feel it every day.”

Liverpool’s Inconsistent Form and Defensive Troubles

Liverpool’s form since the new season started has been marked by inconsistency and defensive fragility. The Premier League champions have lost six of their last seven games in all competitions and have managed only three clean sheets in 11 league matches. The Reds’ struggles were highlighted by a 3-0 defeat against Manchester City and a disappointing exit from the EFL Cup after losing 3-0 at Anfield to Crystal Palace. A recurring issue this season has been conceding early goals, forcing the team into repeated “rescue missions” that have taken their toll on squad morale.

Despite these setbacks, there are glimmers of the team’s potential. Earlier this month, Liverpool produced a thrilling win over Real Madrid, a reminder of what this group is still capable of when fully focused.

Andy Robertson’s Emotional Tribute to Jota

After Scotland secured a World Cup berth with a 4-2 victory over Denmark, Liverpool captain Andy Robertson paid a deeply heartfelt tribute to his late teammate. Speaking after the match, Robertson said, “I couldn’t get my mate Diogo Jota out of my head today. I know he’ll be somewhere smiling over me tonight.” He dedicated Scotland’s historic qualification to Jota, highlighting just how significant the loss remains for both club and country.

Robertson’s interview struck a chord across the Liverpool camp, reinforcing that Jota’s legacy resonates well beyond mere statistics. Slot acknowledged this sentiment, saying, “It is good for us to remember him at all times. We miss the player, and we miss the person.”

Diogo Jota’s Absence Immeasurable for Liverpool

Slot was clear that, while Liverpool’s poor form cannot be solely attributed to Jota’s passing, the impact on the squad is undeniable. “I cannot measure what it does to the players or our results. That is impossible for me to say, and we will never use it as an excuse. But that we will miss him as a player and as a person is 100 percent sure.” Slot also reflected on memorable moments Jota provided, such as his quick equaliser at Nottingham Forest last season.

Team News Ahead of Nottingham Forest Clash

Looking ahead, Liverpool host Nottingham Forest at Anfield, seeking to regain momentum in the league. There is mixed team news for the Reds: goalkeeper Alisson is fully fit after a hamstring injury and is expected to start, a welcome boost for the under-pressure backline. However, defenders Conor Bradley and Florian Wirtz have both been ruled out with muscle injuries, and Jeremie Frimpong remains sidelined. This leaves Liverpool short of options at right-back as they try to address their defensive issues. On a brighter note, Alexander Isak is available for selection and will look to justify his high-profile transfer from Newcastle.

Slot Urges Squad to Honour Jota’s Memory

Slot emphasised the importance of keeping Jota’s memory alive, not only as a source of inspiration but as a reminder of the human side of football. “At this moment, I always think how much harder it must be for his wife and children. We remember him because of the person and the player he was. That’s something we take with us every match.”

The Road Ahead: Liverpool’s Response Will Define Their Season

Liverpool’s ability to navigate this emotional period, and transform their grief into unity and resilience on the pitch, will likely define their season. The fixture against Nottingham Forest presents an opportunity to regroup and return to winning ways.

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Opinion: Jota’s Legacy Should Inspire Liverpool

The pain of losing Diogo Jota is a wound that may never fully heal for Liverpool. However, adversity has a unique power to bring teams closer together. If Liverpool can channel Jota’s passion and spirit, not only will they honour his legacy, but they can also find a path back to their best form.