Liverpool
I followed Arne Slot at Feyenoord – here’s why Liverpool FC have made the right move
Liverpool FC’s decision to appoint Arne Slot may not be universally popular, but having followed him in the Netherlands, Joe Baker is confident it is an intelligent move.
Any initial feelings of concern are understandable – a short drive down the M62 and Liverpool fans can look at an ongoing example of a Dutch coach, who achieved great things in his homeland, now struggling against a tide seemingly pulling him inexorably towards the Premier League managerial trapdoor.
Ultimately, Erik ten Hag may survive and achieve success at Man United. Yet even then, those questioning the appointment of Feyenoord’s Arne Slot to fill the humongous shoes of Jurgen Klopp can point to many other times that Dutch coaches have skipped over the North Sea with their specific tactical ideas and enhanced reputations but failed to match the hype.
Step forward Ronald Koeman (Everton), Frank de Boer (Crystal Palace) and Louis van Gaal (Man United) to name but a few.
After being heavily linked with Xabi Alonso – a former player who has just famously won Bayer Leverkusen’s first Bundesliga and is going for an unprecedented, unbeaten treble – to a coach whom many in England have perhaps only heard of in the last year is undoubtedly a managerial comedown.
However, as someone who has lived in the Netherlands for almost four years and watched a lot of Slot’s Feyenoord for three of them – often in person at their wonderfully atmospheric De Kuip Stadion – I believe there is a lot for Liverpool fans to get excited about.
The scale of the club
Scan the room of available managerial options for the daunting task of replacing Klopp and then take a look at Slot’s profile, his style of play and his career to date, and you can see why the club has moved so quickly to get the 45-year-old.
Firstly, it’s important to understand that while virtually no manager will have had the experience of managing a club the size of Liverpool, Slot isn’t far off.
Yes, Feyenoord are not Liverpool. The Eredivisie is certainly not the Premier League. Yet the Rotterdam club is still one of Europe’s most historic teams, draws in nearly 50,000 for every home game and holds huge expectations from fans – something that was only getting more intense each year that their great De Klassieker rivals Ajax pulled further away.
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— Feyenoord Rotterdam (@Feyenoord) May 5, 2024
Akin to Liverpool, the club is the beating heartbeat of the community. To lead Feyenoord is to carry the weight of expectation of a whole city. In just three years, with his strong personality Slot achieved this with aplomb.
He engaged with fans, was rarely rattled by the media or pressure and understood the standards expected of him and his players.
If the Kop is looking for someone who has lifted trophies, has ambition and can make an immediate impact on a squad as part of a long-term plan, he fits the bill. Indeed, the success Slot has had in Dutch football in his seven years as a coach is remarkable.
Transformative coach.
In his first managerial job, he took little Cambuur to a first KNVB Cup semi-final, famously beating Ajax along the way. After two years as an assistant he became first-team coach of AZ Alkmaar, and in his first season was level with Ajax on the home straight of the season before COVID-19 struck.
When he arrived at Feyenoord, the club was in a mess – fifth the season before, embarrassed in Europe, no money, a squad full of loanees and their captain Steven Berghuis had been sold to Ajax.
By the end of that initial campaign, they’d reached the Europa Conference League final and the foundations for his attacking, intense, high-pressing style were already in place.
Come the end of his second, Feyenoord were lifting only their second league title of the 21st century. And whilst they’ve been second best to PSV Eindhoven in 2023/24, they could still end up with a higher points tally than in their championship-winning season and lifted the KNVB Cup, with Champions League football again secured.
It is believed that those making the decisions about Klopp’s successor turned to data to help inform them. This is perhaps one of the big reasons they’ve been drawn to Slot.
He demands a lot from his players, using a 4-2-3-1 shape that requires a combination of intensity, intelligence, power and versatility. Put simply, his Feyenoord have been superb to watch. Aggressive and proactive for the full 90 minutes, no matter the opponent.
Yet interestingly, when needed he is more than willing to show tactical flexibility to get a result or protect one, be it shifting to a 4-4-2 or reverting to a 4-5-1. His players are also able to take on different responsibilities within a system depending on the situation, shining a spotlight on Slot’s ability both to help players understand a setup and identify other roles where they can excel.
With Slot, the way of achieving success is important but not to the detriment of achieving it in the first place. In the last two league campaigns his side have scored over 80 goals and conceded 30 or less.
No doubt Ajax are a shadow of their former selves, yet the way Feyenoord thrashed them 4-0 and 6-0 this season was stunning – the latter result should have been more.
It was a source of frustration for Slot that Feyenoord did not qualify from their Champions League group, with poor finishing in games they were on top of costing them in all their away matches. Nevertheless, to see a group with no experience of the competition going toe-to-toe with Atletico Madrid in their own backyard was another demonstration of the confidence Slot can instil.
Getting the most out of players.
And this brings us to another vital attribute of Slot’s: his player and squad development. The surprising title challenge and talk of a quadruple perhaps distracted Liverpool fans from the fact that the current team is in a period of transition, and that building a new post-Klopp side will take time.
Therefore, hiring someone with an excellent track record of improving players and developing squads with a blend of youth and experience is a huge plus.
It is an impressive feat that he won the Eredivisie despite keeping only four players from his starting lineup in that Europa Conference League final, with almost no budget to work with.
The most common example given is Turkish international Orkun Kokcu. The academy graduate was an inconsistent No. 10 before Slot transformed him into a versatile, hard-working, ball-playing central midfielder who captained the side to last year’s title.
Under Slot’s tutelage, Kokcu’s successor as captain (after he was sold for a record fee) is Lutsharel Geertruida, who has become one of the most talented young defenders in Europe, capable of playing in central defence, right-back and stepping into midfield.
The left centre-back David Hancko has in two years with Slot become one of the best defenders in the league also capable of playing as an attacking left-back, and somehow is still going under the radar of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Under Slot, Quilindschy Hartman, Mats Wieffer, Quinten Timber and Geertruida have all become Dutch internationals. One of the reasons Newcastle loaned their talented winger Yankuba Minteh to Feyenoord was because of Slot, and his incredible progress means many Newcastle fans are now calling for his inclusion in their squad next season.
And while his form has recently dipped, it has been with Slot that Santiago Gimenez has become a prolific striker linked with the likes of Arsenal.
There is no reason why Slot cannot help take jewels such as Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Conor Bradley to the next level or help refine the erratic Darwin Nunez.
Understanding his role
Under Slot, Quilindschy Hartman, Mats Wieffer, Quinten Timber and Geertruida have all become Dutch internationals. One of the reasons Newcastle loaned their talented winger Yankuba Minteh to Feyenoord was because of Slot, and his incredible progress means many Newcastle fans are now calling for his inclusion in their squad next season.
And while his form has recently dipped, it has been with Slot that Santiago Gimenez has become a prolific striker linked with the likes of Arsenal.
There is no reason why Slot cannot help take jewels such as Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Conor Bradley to the next level or help refine the erratic Darwin Nunez.
Under Slot, Quilindschy Hartman, Mats Wieffer, Quinten Timber and Geertruida have all become Dutch internationals. One of the reasons Newcastle loaned their talented winger Yankuba Minteh to Feyenoord was because of Slot, and his incredible progress means many Newcastle fans are now calling for his inclusion in their squad next season.
And while his form has recently dipped, it has been with Slot that Santiago Gimenez has become a prolific striker linked with the likes of Arsenal.
There is no reason why Slot cannot help take jewels such as Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Conor Bradley to the next level or help refine the erratic Darwin Nunez.
Understanding his role
Finally, Slot is also someone who understands a project and his role within it. It would have been easy for him to leave last summer when Tottenham came calling, yet he knew his time in Rotterdam was not finished and the decision has clearly been justified.
This commitment to a group is why so many were willing to give everything for him and buy into what he wants.
His man-management is second to none and he places great weight in creating a positive environment, which is why Liverpool fans should not worry about how A-List players such as Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold will respond to him.
He has an ego and a strong personality but also great empathy. The native link with Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch will also be invaluable.
You can already picture the negative headlines, the opposition fans sharpening their knives, the Slot doubters saying ‘I told you so’ if he does not get off to a good start. However, squad development and long-term success is a marathon, not a sprint.
To revert back to the Man United example, Liverpool fans should keep in mind how quickly it can all go wrong with short-termism and lack of clarity.
Arne Slot isn’t the sexy appointment. He isn’t the huge managerial name that many fans would have wanted. However, there are numerous reasons as to why he could well be the right one.
Everton manager David Moyes pays tribute to Diogo Jota in Anfield visit
The Blues boss and assistant Alan Irvine became the latest representatives of Everton to pay their respects following the tragedy.
David Moyes attended Anfield on Saturday afternoon to pay tribute to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva.
The Everton manager and Alan Irvine, his assistant, laid flowers outside the stadium as they joined mourners paying their respects to the Liverpool star who, with his brother, died in a car crash in Spain on Thursday.
In a rare show of emotion, Everton manager David Moyes broke down in tears at the tribute—choosing compassion over rivalry, and doing what few expected.
A message on the arrangement simply read: “With heartfelt sympathy, from David Moyes and everyone at Everton Football Club.”
The tragedy has caused shock and sadness across the world of football and prompted an outpouring of tributes, including from Everton.
The club wrote on Thursday: “Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this sad time.”
On Friday, after the players returned to Finch Farm for the start of pre-season, first team forwards Beto and Youssef Chermiti joined club ambassador Ian Snodin to lay wreaths at the home of Liverpool FC.
It had been agreed the two Portugal-born players were the most fitting representatives from the squad to pay tribute to the Portuguese international, who followed up Liverpool’s Premier League win by helping his country to UEFA Nations League success this summer.
Liverpool expressed gratitude for the support, sharing images of the visit online and writing: “A touching and much appreciated show of support from Everton, as they pay their respects to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva at Anfield this afternoon.”
The poignant show of solidarity from Moyes and Irvine followed the funeral service for the brothers in Portugal on Saturday morning.
Rest in peace Diogo Jota
“He Never Asked for Anything… Just Football and PlayStation” – A Father’s Heartbreaking Tribute to Diogo Jota and His Brother
Months after Diogo Jota officially became a Liverpool player, his father, Joaquim Silva, shared tender reflections about his son’s humble beginnings—words that now carry a heartbreaking weight after the tragic deaths of both Diogo and his brother, André.
The Silva family is now engulfed in unimaginable pain. The loss of not one, but both of their sons, is a grief words can barely hold. The two brothers—Diogo and André—were laid to rest on Saturday in their hometown of Gondomar, Portugal. Liverpool players and staff traveled to pay their final respects, standing in solidarity with the grieving family.
Diogo and André were the only children of Joaquim and Isabel Silva. In a 2020 interview with Maisfutebol, given just months after Diogo signed for Liverpool, their parents’ pride and love radiated in every sentence.
“Diogo only saw that in front of him. In his grandmother’s backyard, he broke many pots and plants,” his father recalled, describing the tiny three-meter by 15-meter space where Diogo spent hours perfecting his game.
“We just wanted him to play sports—be healthy in mind and body. And we always knew where he was, which gave us peace.”
From his early days as a left midfielder, adjusting his weaker foot, to his transformation into a No.10 and forward, Diogo’s football journey was forged through sacrifice and determination. But it wasn’t just talent that defined him—it was character.
“The feedback we got from Pacos de Ferreira was that Diogo was responsible and mature. That meant more to us than fame. We felt we had done our job well as parents.”
The Silvas were factory workers who lived with limitations but never hid their reality from their children. Diogo never demanded more. He never asked for branded boots. He never complained.
“He never asked for anything. He knew what we could afford. That’s why he values things—and he values life,” Joaquim shared.
Instead of parties, Diogo spent his evenings at home, content with two simple loves: football in the afternoon and PlayStation at night. Even his first console came through sacrifice—and he never even asked for it.
“He never went out at night, not even for dinners or parties—except for his birthday. I would even tell him to go out sometimes. But for Diogo, as long as there was football and PlayStation, that was enough.”
Now, those quiet memories ring louder than ever.
This is the story of a humble boy, raised by loving parents, who never forgot his roots—even as he rose to football’s biggest stage. And it is now the story of a family whose love and sacrifices built something beautiful—only for it to be taken too soon.
Liverpool
Viktor Gyokeres takes drastic decision to force through Arsenal move and it changes everything
The Sporting CP striker has been linked with a Premier League transfer all summer, but finally seems to have made up his mind.
Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres is reportedly considering doing an extreme thing to force through a transfer to Arsenal.
Gyokeres, 27, has been heavily linked with a move away from his current side, Sporting CP, all summer, having registered 54 goals in 52 appearances for the Portuguese champions in 2024/25.
The Swede has attracted the interest of Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Al Hilal, and Manchester United, but Arsenal seem his most likely destination.
According to Portuguese outlet Maisfutebol, Arsenal are close to an agreement with Sporting regarding a transfer.
The deal could reach €80 million (£69 million), which would make him the most expensive Swedish player in football history, ahead of Alexander Isak and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
On Sunday (July 6), The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported that although Arsenal are in advanced talks with Sporting over Gyokeres, a deal is not done as discussions are continuing over the fee.
Mikel Arteta is said to be ‘pushing’ for the deal to be completed so Gyokeres can begin pre-season with the Gunners.
Also on Sunday, Fabrizio Romano issued an update via his YouTube channel.
Romano said: “Today guys, we have to open with a big bomba that will mark this summer transfer window because Victor Gyokeres to Arsenal – that here we go is expected very soon. Could be a matter of hours maximum days, but Arsenal are getting really, really close to signing Viktor Gyokeres.
“It’s a big one because Arsenal have been looking for a striker for a long time, but now we are almost there in this race to find the new number nine for Mikel Arteta, and Viktor Gyokeres looks to be the man.
“Why? What happened in the last 24-48 hours, in secret, in silence, in Portugal, with direct talks, Arsenal have been advancing a lot in conversations with Sporting for Victor Gyokeres.”
He also took to X and suggested that Gyokeres was willing to make a huge sacrifice to get the deal over the line.
Romano wrote: “Viktor Gyökeres has accepted to give up €2m from his salary in order to facilitate negotiations between Arsenal and Sporting. Sporting insist on a higher fee compared to Arsenal proposal, and Gyökeres tries his best, also giving up money to make it happen.”
CNN Portugal reported on Monday, that Gyokeres is expected to return to Sporting training on Friday 11 July, later than most of his teammates. Although a transfer could be completed by then.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold gives emotional interview following death of former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota
Alexander-Arnold spoke following Real Madrid’s 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund at the Club World Cup on Saturday.
Trent Alexander-Arnold admitted that “it was hard” to perform during Real Madrid’s 3-2 win against Borussia Dortmund following the death of his former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota.
Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva – also a professional footballer at Portuguese second-tier side Penafiel – died in a car accident in northwestern Spain in the early hours of Thursday morning (July 3).
According to BBC Sport, when trying to overtake another vehicle, the Lamborghini they were travelling in left the road due to a tyre blowout and caught fire.
Tributes from the footballing world poured in once the news filtered through, with all of the clubs Jota had played for releasing touching tributes, as well as ex-teammate Cristiano Ronaldo and several others.
Silva and Jota’s joint funeral was then held in Gondomar, Portugal, on Saturday (July 5) with several of Jota’s Liverpool teammates, including Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson, and Alexis MacAllister, all attending alongside head coach Arne Slot and former Reds captain Jordan Henderson.
Later in the day, another of Jota’s former Liverpool teammates, Alexander-Arnold, 26, started during Real Madrid’s 3-2 win against Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup quarter-finals in New Jersey.
“I had to try to perform for the team and help them win the game, no matter how difficult it was,” Alexander-Arnold told DAZN.
“As hard as it was to do it, I had to push myself to focus on what my job and role was. I tried to do it as best as I could, but it was difficult, and I am not going to lie about that.
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“[Jota] was one of my close friends – and I am sure that’s what he would have wanted me to do. I’m sure we would have had a laugh and joke about the assist as well. He was there with me, I am sure.”
Jota and Trent played alongside each other 145 times for Liverpool.
“I shared the dressing room with him for five years – amazing memories on and off the pitch,” Trent added.
“It goes without saying he will never be forgotten by anyone. He will live long in all our memories for the amazing man and the player he was.
“I’ve been around him, his brother, his family, his amazing wife, his amazing parents and his amazing children. It’s truly, truly heartbreaking to wake up to news like that.
“It’s something you never expect.”
Los Blancos forward Kylian Mbappe also paid tribute to Jota by indicating the number 20 with his fingers following his late strike against Dortmund.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Liverpool
Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz sends heartfelt message to Jamal Musiala after horror injury for Bayern Munich
If Diogo Jota’s tragic death has taught us anything, it is that the football world is capable of uniting completely in the face of devastation.
The game is often perceived to have become more tribal as the years have passed, which is something Liverpool supporters who spend time on social media platforms will certainly attest to.
Rivalries have become more bitter and language has become increasingly lacking in empathy.
Nevertheless, after Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, were killed in a car accident on Thursday, fans, players and clubs of all nations and allegiance have been as one.
The untimely passing of Liverpool‘s eternal No. 20 has reminded many that life is too short for such trivialities, and it is much more productive to be kind and thoughtful.
Those practices were upheld once again on Saturday evening, as Germany star Jamal Musiala suffered a horror injury while playing for Bayern Munich.
Florian Wirtz sends support to Jamal Musiala
Musiala has had a tough time with Bayern recently. His start against PSG in the Club World Cup on Saturday was his first for more than three months.
Unfortunately, the 22-year-old lasted just 45 minutes. After PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma came out to challenge him, Musiala suffered a nasty-looking ankle injury.
The German international’s teammates looked visibly upset by the state of their friend’s ankle, with Musiala then stretchered from the field in floods of tears.
One man who will have been feeling Musiala’s pain is new Liverpool signing Florian Wirtz. Wirtz and Musiala are close, having slowly become the two stars of their national team.
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And having seen the Bayern youngster go down in extreme pain, Wirtz sent a message of support on his Instagram stories.
“Stay strong my bro you’ll come back stronger!!” wrote the 22-year-old, along with two heart emojis.
What happened in the Club World Cup on Saturday?
Musiala’s injury was the cherry on top of a very bad day at the office for Bayern on Saturday.
Goals from Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele knocked them out of the Club World Cup and saw PSG advance to the semi-finals.
There they will meet Real Madrid, who beat Borussia Dortmund 3-2 later in the evening.
The other semi-final will be contested by Chelsea – who beat Palmeiras in the early hours of Saturday – and Brazilian side Fluminense, the only non-European team left in the competition.
For Musiala and Bayern, it is the end of the road, with legendary forward Thomas Muller also now departing following the end of his contract.
Liverpool
Diogo Jota made phone call to close friend hours before car crash that killed him and his brother
Diogo Jota spoke to a close friend on the phone hours before the car crash that killed him and his brother Andre Silva, it has been revealed.
The car crash happened in the early hours of Thursday morning in Zamora, northwestern Spain.
According to initial police findings, the car – which was a Lamborghini – suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking on the A52 road.
It then caught fire and, as per witnesses who called the emergency 1-1-2 service, was soon ‘engulfed in flames’.
The Spanish Guardia Civil released a statement confirming that the two victims had been identified as Liverpool star Jota and his brother, who played for Portuguese second tier side Penafiel.
It was later reported that the pair were travelling to Santander to catch a ferry to England, with Jota – who married long-term partner Rute Cardoso on June 22 – having been advised against flying because he had undergone recent lung surgery.
Tributes have since flooded in for the pair from the footballing world and beyond.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot penned an emotional statement on Thursday evening, with captain Virgil van Dijk among the Reds players to do likewise.
Jota was born near Gondomar, Porto, which is where his funeral will take place on Saturday morning.
He played for local club Gondomar SC from the age of 17, before leaving for fellow Portuguese side Pacos de Ferreira in 2013.
Gondomar president Alvaro Cerqueira has now revealed that he spoke to Jota at 10pm – under three hours before the crash – and recounted small details of their conversation.
“It was just after 10pm last night [Thursday],” he told Portuguese outlet JN. “We were on the phone and he was fine.
“We spoke almost every week, and I know he was going through a happy moment.
“When Diogo needed to train during the off-season, he would ask to come here, and we would always make everything available.
“His brother would usually come too, and they would both train.
“It is difficult to talk at a time like this, but what will remain is the image of two very humble people, who leave a huge void.”
Gondomar will hold a day of mourning for Jota and Silva on Friday, with the Municipality’s flag being displayed at half-mast on all buildings and facilities.
The town’s mayor, Luis Filipe Araujo described Jota as ‘an extraordinary talent and a true ambassador of Gondomar’.
He added: [He stood out for taking] the name of the municipality and of Portugal to the biggest stages of European and world football, always with humility, dedication and an enormous sense of responsibility.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Liverpool
What Cristiano Ronaldo told Diogo Jota’s family ahead of funeral as Portugal captain’s absence explained
Details of what Cristiano Ronaldo told Diogo Jota’s family ahead of the Liverpool star’s funeral have been revealed.
Devastating news on Thursday morning confirmed that Liverpool pool star Jota and his brother Andre Silva had died in a car crash in Zamora, Spain in the early hours of the morning.
The pair were travelling back to England when their car suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking, causing them to crash on the danerous A-52 dual carriageway.
As is common in Portugal, the funeral for Jota and his brother took place in his home town of Gondomar on Saturday morning, with Arne Slot and several players of the Liverpool squad in attendance.
Despite posting a heartfelt tribute to his former teammate, Portugal national team captain Ronaldo did not attend the funeral on Saturday, but ensured to send a message to Jota’s family ahead of the ceremony.
Other than the Liverpool squad, Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, Manchester United full back Diogo Dalot and fellow Portugal internationals Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves were among the footballers paying their respects at the funeral.
Although Ronaldo was expected to attend, reports have claimed that he instead decided to remain with his family on holiday in Majorca.
Portuguese outlet Record states that Ronaldo decided to make this decision as he didn’t want his attendance at Diogo and Andre Silva’s funeral cause a ‘media circus.’
Instead, the Al Nassr striker spoke with Jota’s wife Rute Cardoso, telling her that he will always be there for her and Jota’s three young children.
However, this wasn’t good enough for some people, with sports journalist and commentator Luis Cristovao claiming that Ronaldo’s absence was ‘inexplicable’
He said: “Being inexplicable, any justification will fall short of the shortcoming he committed with his absence.”
What has Ronaldo said about Diogo Jota’s tragic death?
Shortly after news of Jota’s fatal accident were made public, Ronaldo took to social media to release an emotional statement and send condolences to his family.
Ronaldo wrote: “It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had gotten married. To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. “Rest in Peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Liverpool
Jude Bellingham shares heartfelt update on Trent Alexander-Arnold following death of his former team-mate Diogo Jota
Jude Bellingham has given a heartfelt update on how Trent Alexander-Arnold is coping with the death of his former Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota.
The football world has been left stunned by the sudden death of Jota and his brother Andre Silva after the pair were killed in the early hours of July 3 in a car crash in northern Spain.
According to initial police findings, their car, a Lamborghini Huracan, suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking and subsequently left the road, before then catching fire.
It has been widely reported that Jota was travelling through Zamora after he had undergone surgery recently in his native Portugal and been advised not to fly by doctors, and so was intending to travel back to the UK via a ferry from Santander to report back for pre-season training at Liverpool.
A wake has been held for Jota and his brother in Gondomar in Portugal and the pair’s funeral is taking place on Saturday.
The 28-year-old moved to Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 for more than £40m and scored 65 goals in 182 games for the Anfield club .
In that time, Jota won the Premier League title, the FA Cup and two League Cups, while he has also won the UEFA Nations League twice with Portugal.
Across those five seasons, Jota was a team-mate to Alexander-Arnold, who departed Liverpool over the summer to move to Real Madrid, with the Spanish club paying a transfer fee to release the defender a month early so he could feature at the FIFA Club World Cup.
The move to the Spanish capital means Alexander-Arnold now shares a club dressing room with England team-mate Bellingham at the Santiago Bernabeu.
And Bellingham has given a heartfelt update on how Alexander-Arnold is coping with the shock death of his former Liverpool team-mate, explaining that the defender is dealing with the news in his own way and the Real Madrid dressing room have supported him as he passed on his condolences to Jota’s family for their loss.
He told reporters: “It’s been a really tough day for him to process. I think they were team-mates for five years.
“As a team, we were there to support him and I think he’s dealt with it in his own way. He’s had a lot of time to reflect and think about what’s happened.
“Obviously it’s a terrible shame and I’m sure everyone, every player, every club, sends their condolences and their love to his family.
“It’s a horrible bit of news and we hope that they’re grieving and that they have the privacy and the comfort to do so.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty
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