'Proud' Slot reflects on how Liverpool have dealt with Jota tragedy

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Sky Sports or go back to LFC Live.

Diogo Jota would have turned 29 on Thursday; Liverpool supporters continue to sing his name in 20th minute of each match; head coach Arne Slot has opened up to Sky Sports about how difficult it has been to cope with the tragedy; he also praises Reds fans for their backing during tough run Friday 5 December 2025 17:27, UK Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Liverpool head coach Arne Slot says he has been proud of the way everyone at the club has handled the death of Diogo Jota but adds that the staff and players are still dealing with their grief. Arne Slot says he is "proud" of how Liverpool have dealt with the passing of Diogo Jota, at the end of a week in which he would have turned 29.Thursday marked Jota's birthday and put Liverpool's on-field struggles into perspective.Reflecting on how difficult it has been to grieve for Jota, Slot opened up to Sky Sports."The players and our fans and everyone connected to the football club… everybody has conducted themselves so well," said Slot.

As a club, as players, as supporters, in my opinion, we couldn't have done better than we did."And I leave results completely out of this conversation."Asked how tough it has been to keep coming into the Liverpool facilities, where Jota had been such an important presence, Slot said: "It is completely different than what's usual when you grieve. Image: Liverpool players paying tribute to team-mate Diogo Jota "So now when they are here, the players, and us as a staff as well, [we] are much more confronted with it instead of when we are at home."However, Slot was keen to put their own loss in relation to that of Jota's family."We all have to understand that if it's difficult for us, how hard is it for his family, for his wife, children, parents?"Yes, it's hard for us, but for them it must be so hard.

Of course, there are moments when it's difficult and that you sometimes can feel alone, but generally speaking, I feel so much support."And the last one I definitely must not forget, because you were talking about scrutiny and about pressure and this and this… But I think it's been the last three games where maybe even more that I every time feel the support of the fans."And not only feel it, I can even hear it. So the ones that are in the stadium, in the away end at West Ham and this time again against Sunderland, I can even hear the support I'm getting from our fans."I feel a lot of support." Saturday 6th December 5:00pm Kick off 5:30pm Asked if the hard times have taught him more about Liverpool and its supporters, Slot said: "I wouldn't say learn, but it has shown me even more how special this club is."Because if you win, I think every fan is supportive everywhere around the world."You can make a difference as a fan, as a fanbase, when things are difficult.