One of the worst stories to have emerged from Liverpool over the summer was the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva.
When the news was first announced, many didn’t want to believe it, but unfortunately, it was true, and despite being just 28 years old, he was taken away.
Jota’s passing means that throughout the 2025-26 Premier League season, every game will mean a lot more.
Diogo Jota pictured pointing at his name and number on his back for Portugal.
Photo by Carlos Rodrigues – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Indeed, it wasn’t the Reds’ best performance, but with the amount of emotion that was hanging over the clash, it’s clear to see why things didn’t go quite to plan.
Arne Slot in awe of Liverpool fans after their Diogo Jota tributes
As mentioned, every Liverpool game this season is going to mean that little bit more.
Indeed, Liverpool didn’t manage to bring the Community Shield home, but when cup competitions such as the Champions League and FA Cup come into the mix, it’s hard to see how the Reds won’t be one of the favourites.
And, since Liverpool’s first Premier League game was held at Anfield, there was even more passion behind their fans’ display with a stunning tifo shared at the start of the clash.
And, while speaking to BeIN Sports, Slot gave his thoughts on the display Liverpool’s fanbase put on.
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“We are talking about football, but what it should be about is how powerful and how impressive this tribute was to Diogo. Our fans, they are unbelievable,” he said.
Slot then went into more detail during his press conference and added the following: “I found it so special how our fans reacted today and how they kept on singing at the end of the game for Diogo.
“I think the whole day and the whole game is, every time you think you cannot expect more from Liverpool fans they top this or they overperform.
“Again, what a tribute and I think Mo felt after the game how special that was and probably he felt the emotion.
“We all knew his family is here, his wife is here, and his children are here. For them it might be special to hear how much he is loved over here and with the fans and the banner and what they did.”
Diogo Jota celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Liverpool still have a lot of work to do if they want to retain their Premier League title
One of the main things that Slot will be looking to do in Jota’s honour this season is win the Premier League.
If they manage to retain the title, it’ll be the first time in over 40 years that they’ve managed to do so, which would be so special to do in Jota’s honour.
As well as the Premier League, the Reds will want to make a good name for themselves in all three of the other competitions they’re set to play in.
However, unless players such as Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz can manage to get their acts together and get used to the way Liverpool play, it could end up being a long season.
That is, especially when the amount of money the Anfield outfit have already spent is taken into consideration.