Liverpool manager Arne Slot has praised Everton for the solidarity they showed following the tragic death of Diogo Jota in July, as both clubs prepare for Saturday’s Merseyside derby at Anfield.
Jota, 28, died in a car accident in Spain just weeks after helping Liverpool lift the Premier League title. His last goal for the Reds came in April’s derby, where his strike sealed a 1-0 win.
Speaking ahead of Everton’s visit, Slot reflected on the gesture of respect from Liverpool’s rivals.
“They are a good team and there is rivalry, but what I also liked and what I want to emphasise is what they did when Diogo passed away,” he told reporters. “They showed their respect, and in these moments, it is so nice to see that in tragedies, the rivalry is still there, but the respect to both is still there.”
Liverpool spent a record £450 million in the summer to reshape their squad. Despite some uneven performances, they have won all five of their Premier League and Champions League matches, often relying on late goals.
Slot said he was satisfied with the results but urged his players to keep improving. “I prefer the situation of winning the games and pointing out that we can still improve things, compared to losing games,” he noted.
British-record signing Alexander Isak made his debut in Wednesday’s 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid but is still regaining sharpness. Hugo Ekitike is expected to feature against Everton.
Meanwhile, Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim dismissed suggestions that his meeting this week with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was a crisis talk.
United have taken just four points from their opening four league games and were knocked out of the League Cup by fourth-tier Grimsby.
“A new contract,” Amorim joked when asked about the meeting. “No, it is normal things, just to show the support and explain that it is a long project.”
Amorim admitted United must be more clinical in both penalty areas but insisted performances have improved since last season, when they finished 15th.
United host Chelsea at Old Trafford on Saturday with Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha back from injury.
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