Arne Slot speaks about Diogo Jota loss a year on in rare interview: ‘Miss him terribly’

In his first media interview since being sacked by Liverpool, Arne Slot has opened up on the loss of Diogo Jota.

Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a car accident on July 3rd, 2025, and the loss clearly impacted the whole Liverpool team.

The Reds went trophyless in the following campaign, and Slot took the brunt of it, being sacked after the season’s end.

The Dutchman gave some brief comments to the club’s website, but he has now spoken to the media for the first time, and taking the opportunity to talk about Jota.

Slot talks Jota

“Moments like this remind you that football is never the most important thing,” he told AD.

“As a manager, you spend so much time thinking about training, matches, and results, but something like this immediately puts everything into perspective.

“My thoughts are with Diogo, his wife Rute and the children, his parents, his family and friends, and everyone who loved him. We all miss him terribly.”

He continued: “When I think of the person he was, I always come back to the same things.

“He always put the team first. He got along well with everyone, regardless of their role, and he had a special way of making people feel appreciated.

“Those qualities earned him the respect of everyone around him, and they are the reason we miss him so much. He will always be remembered with great warmth. That is the legacy he leaves behind.”

Slot also gave his thoughts on Portugal’s tributes, with the team wearing wristbands given to them by the country’s Prime Minister.

“It is very emotional to see how Portugal is honouring Diogo,” he said.

“Wearing those bracelets is truly a beautiful gesture. It reflects how much respect and affection everyone had for him.

“He was not just a great player; he was someone who brought people together. He cared about the group, always put the team first, and made everyone around him feel important.

“Seeing how his teammates carry his memory onto the field is a fitting tribute. I hope it reminds people of the kind of person he was, just as much as the player he became.”