Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed satisfaction with the way his side dealt with an emotional night as Anfield paid tribute to Diogo Jote in their Premier League opener with a 4-2 win over Bournemouth.
The Portugal striker died tragically in a car crash along with his brother Andre Silva six weeks ago and his family returned to Anfield to witness the wave of emotion that left fourth-goal scorer Mohamed Salah in tears after the final whistle.
“I think the main emotion is how impressive and touching the tribute to Diogo was,” Slot said.
“The banner that the Kop unfurled, the way they sang 'You'll Never Walk Alone', the way they sang it to Diogo before the game, the first minute, 20 minutes after the game. It was all so impressive and powerful.”
“And then there was the game itself, which ended 4-2, where a lot happened.
“I actually didn’t want to leave the stadium after the match because the reaction of our fans today seemed unique to me.
I think after the game Mo felt how special it was. He probably felt the same emotions because we all knew his (Jota's) family was here, his wife was here, his kids were here.
“It may be especially important for them to hear how much he is appreciated here. What the fans have done. But we also feel how deep their grief is.
“These mixed feelings may have been the reason for Mo's emotionality. I think I felt the same way, although not to the point of tears, but the emotions were certainly similar.”
On the footballing side, Slot believes Federico Chiesa has a future at the club after the largely forgotten Italy international came off the bench to score the decisive third goal.
The striker, who barely featured in his first season due to fitness issues, struck a spectacular volley in the 88th minute after his teammates had conceded a 2-0 lead through new signings Ugo Ekitiike and Cody
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
