Jota tragically passed away in a car accident last summer at the age of 28, leaving a void that is still keenly felt by his teammates and staff.

In an interview, former Liverpool defender Andy Robertson admitted he had been “in bits” before Scotland’s dramatic victory over Denmark secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup. Speaking National Television, Slot acknowledged the emotional toll the tragedy has had on everyone connected with the club.

“I saw the interview with Robertson live, and I know this is an issue for us,” Slot said. “It’s completely normal. But at this moment, I always think about how it must feel for Jota’s wife and children. It’s so much harder for them than it is for us. Of course, we miss the player, but we also miss the person.”

Jota’s passing has come at a challenging time for Liverpool. The Reds have struggled in recent weeks, losing four of their last five Premier League matches, including a heavy 3-0 defeat to Manchester City before the international break. That loss left Liverpool in eighth place, eight points behind leaders Arsenal, as they prepare to face Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday.

Read Also: Liverpool Extend Premier League Lead with 2-1 Win Over Everton

Looking ahead to the Forest match, Slot reflected on Jota’s impact in last season’s corresponding fixture. “When we played Forest away last season, we were 1-0 down, and it took Jota just 22 seconds to score the equalizer after coming on as a substitute,” he recalled. “So, yes, we miss him as a player and as a person. His absence is felt deeply.”

Slot confirmed that goalkeeper Alisson Becker is available to return after a six-week layoff due to a hamstring injury. However, full-back Conor Bradley and midfielder Florian Wirtz will miss Saturday’s game due to unspecified injuries.

Source: Punch