Arne Slot claims it's 'impossible to measure' impact of Diogo Jota's death on Liverpool squad but admits there is no excuse for poor form

The Premier League champions recent form has been inconsistent and largely disappointing, marked by significant defensive issues, losing six of their last seven games in all competitions. Key recent results include a 3-0 defeat by Manchester City just before the international break and they were dumped out of the EFL Cup by Crystal Palace in a 3-0 loss at Anfield. The team's defensive vulnerability is a major concern, having kept only three clean sheets in 11 Premier League games this season and they have also developed a worrying trend of conceding the first goal early in matches, often making games a "rescue mission". Despite the poor run, they did secure a thrilling win over Real Madrid earlier this month, demonstrating potential that has yet to translate into consistent results.

Robertson paid an emotional tribute to Jota after Scotland's 4-2 victory over Denmark, a win that secured their place in the 2026 World Cup. Robertson revealed he was "in bits" all day thinking about Jota, who died in a car crash in Spain in July 2025 with his brother Andre Silva. He and Jota had often discussed their shared dream of playing in a World Cup after they both missed the 2022 tournament (Jota through injury, Robertson as Scotland didn't qualify). "I couldn't get my mate Diogo Jota out of my head today," Robertson said in a post-match interview, adding, "I know he'll be somewhere smiling over me tonight". He dedicated the historic win to his late friend, highlighting the profound impact of Jota's death on the Liverpool squad.

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The Liverpool boss said: "We are always judged, sometimes fair, sometimes not fair. But I saw the interview (with Robertson) live and I know that it is an issue for us, which is completely normal. 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. But that we will miss the player and the person is completely clear. Now we play Nottingham Forest, last season there we were 1-0 down and it only took him (Jota) one minute to score the equaliser. So now I am talking about the player that we miss for sure. That we also miss him as a person is also clear."

He added: "It is good for us to remember him at all times. It is possible because of the person and player he was. It is impossible to measure what it does to the players and to our results. The last thing I would do is use it as an excuse. I don't know. What I do know is that we miss the player, that is 100 per cent sure, and we miss the person, but I cannot measure the impact that has on our results. That is impossible for me to say, and we will never use it as an excuse."

Liverpool host Nottingham Forest on Saturday and Slot has confirmed mixed team news ahead of the clash. Goalkeeper Alisson has fully recovered from a hamstring injury and is expected to start, which provides a significant boost. However, the Reds face new injury setbacks after the international break, with both Conor Bradley and Florian Wirtz ruled out with muscle injuries. Bradley is anticipated to be sidelined for around three weeks, while Wirtz's absence should be shorter. These injuries are compounded by Jeremie Frimpong still being out with a hamstring issue, leaving Liverpool short at right-back. Alexander Isak is fit once again and is expected to feature, with the Sweden international still looking to find form after his mega-money move from Newcastle.