Arne Slot has finally addressed a question many Liverpool fans have quietly wondered for months — but his response opens the door to more questions than answers.
The Reds have struggled for rhythm, goals, and balance this season, and some supporters believe the tragic passing of Diogo Jota may have played a deeper role than anyone at the club has wanted to admit.
Slot spoke honestly, but what he said — and what he refused to say — adds a layer of curiosity to Liverpool’s troubles.
Liverpool’s form has raised alarms across the fanbase. Seven defeats in the last ten games, five losses already in the league, and a place far from the title picture.
For a team used to playing heavy-metal football, this season has felt more like an unplugged version.
And as emotions resurfaced after Andy Robertson’s emotional remarks during Scotland’s World Cup celebrations, the topic returned to the spotlight.
Many observers wondered again whether grief has quietly weighed on the squad. Slot decided it was time to address it.
Arne Slot speaks, but questions remain
Speaking before the match against Nottingham Forest, Slot acknowledged the emotional weight of losing Jota, yet he refused to pin Liverpool’s slump on the tragedy.
“I saw the interview live and I know that it is an issue for us, which is completely normal,” Slot said. “I think it is good for us to remind ourselves of him every time possible because of the person and player he was.”
He continued, “But it is impossible to measure what it does to the players and then to measure what it does to our results. The last thing I would do is use it as an excuse because I simply don’t know.”
Slot made it clear that Jota’s talent and personality are still missed daily. But he stressed that grief cannot be calculated into goals, assists, or points.
A deeper issue hiding in plain sight?
The conversation around Jota’s death comes at a moment when Liverpool have battled problems across nearly every position.
Alisson’s injury, the defensive imbalance caused by recent exits, and the shaky form of key players have made this season feel like a football puzzle missing a few important pieces.
Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong are still settling in. Ibrahima Konate’s form has raised questions again. Young center-back Giovanni Leoni suffered an ACL injury shortly after joining.
And in attack, Mohamed Salah’s quiet patch and new signings still adapting have added to the confusion.
Some fans say the squad looks lost. Others feel the spark is missing. And with results dipping, every detail — even emotional ones — come back into focus.
Slot added perspective by highlighting the human cost: “At this moment in time, I always think how must it feel for his wife and his children? Because it is so, so, so much harder for them than it is for us.”
While the manager insisted Liverpool will “never use it as an excuse,” he agreed the team misses Jota’s game-changing influence, recalling last season’s comeback moment against Forest that needed “only one minute” from the Portuguese forward.
What Anfield Home thinks?
Liverpool’s issues are bigger than one tragedy, but the emotional toll cannot simply be brushed aside. Slot is right not to use it as an excuse, yet it is clear the team has felt the absence of Jota the player and Jota the person.
Football may be a game of tactics and results, but emotions still play their part — especially when a dressing room loses someone important.
Liverpool now need clarity, confidence, and consistency. And yes, they could also use a little of Jota’s magic in the box.