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Liverpool forward Diogo Jota experienced a challenging season last year as he suffered multiple injuries that limited his playing time. However, the Portugal international is eager to leave those struggles behind and embrace a new beginning this season under new head coach Arne Slot.
Since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers at the start of the 2020-21 season, Jota has been a vital player for Liverpool. Despite struggling with injuries, he still managed to net 15 goals and provide four assists in just 32 appearances across competitions last season.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo during the team’s pre-season tour in the United States, Jota shared his frustrations from the past season.
"Last season especially was really frustrating because I had three injuries in three good moments. I worked hard to get into those good moments with my form. But each time my momentum was stopped due to injuries," he stated.
In February, during Liverpool’s match against Brentford, Jota sustained a knee injury that sidelined him for two months. He was initially concerned about missing the Euros in Germany this year, but fortunately, that was not the case.
"The last one especially was bad. I feared that I was going to miss the Euros. That would have been the second time in a row in terms of major tournaments after missing the World Cup. Mentally, it was tough. But what gives me hope is that in the minutes when I’ve been on the pitch I’ve always performed. If I can stay fit then I know my numbers will be good and I can help the team," Jota added.
Having represented Portugal in the Euros, Jota is now very much part of of Arne Slot’s plans. He has resumed training and recently featured in Liverpool’s 2-1 pre-season friendly win over Arsenal on Wednesday, July 31.
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota discusses Arne Slot’s training methods
Jota played the first 45 minutes of his return for Liverpool against Arsenal and was instrumental in their opening goal, scored by Mohamed Salah in the 13th minute. He held off a defender and headed the ball down to Harvey Elliott, who then set up Salah to score past Arsenal’s goalkeeper Karl Hein.
Jota also shed light on Slot’s training methods and attention to detail, as he gradually gets accustomed to the Dutch manager’s tactics. With Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo still on holiday, Jota sees this as an opportunity to secure a spot in the starting lineup. He said (via the Athletic):
"I’m happy to be back and I’m trying to catch the new manager’s ideas as soon as possible. Already, I can tell that he’s precise in what he wants. He goes into a lot of detail on a lot of things. We don’t have a No 9 (with Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo still on holiday) so I assume that for the foreseeable future that’s where I am going to play. But he knows and I know that I can play a part in the attack on the left or in the centre. Wherever I play, I will do my best."
Following wins over Real Betis and Arsenal, Liverpool will face their longstanding rivals Manchester United in South Carolina on Sunday, August 4. The Reds will conclude their pre-season campaign against Sevilla on August 11.
