The start of Liverpool’s pre-season has arrived under the weight of grief and reflection.
After the tragic death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, Arne Slot knew the first days back could never feel normal.
The squad gathered this week not only as professionals preparing for a new campaign but also as teammates trying to process the sudden loss of someone they admired and loved.
The first days back were about more than football, they were about supporting each other and finding a way forward together.
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What Arne Slot told his squad to do
Slot shared in an interview with the club’s media that he wouldn’t ask players to hide their feelings.
Instead, he urged them to handle their sorrow as Jota would have, by staying true to themselves, whatever that looked like.
“It’s very difficult to find the right words,” he said.
“We constantly debate what is appropriate. What is appropriate in our actions? What is appropriate [for] what we have to say? Can we train again? Can we laugh again? Can we be angry if there’s a wrong decision?”
He told the squad simply: “If we want to laugh we laugh; if we want to cry we’re going to cry. If they want to train they can train, if they don’t want to train they can not train. But be yourself.”
Slot also reminded everyone that Diogo Jota always stepped up when situations were at their hardest.
“He delivered so many times,” he said.
“So we are in a very difficult time, so let’s try to do what Diogo did so many times. If it’s so difficult then try a little bit harder or just keep on going and try to make it work.”
Liverpool’s No. 20 shirt has now been retired in Jota’s honour, a lasting symbol that his spirit and example will stay with the club forever.
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