Jurgen Klopp defends Liverpool star Diogo Jota amid a wave of criticism

Diogo Jota returned to the Liverpool setup after a long absence due to an injury and has struggled to create an impact since. The player is under immense pressure to perform and understandably. His last goal for the Reds came a year ago in April 2022 against Manchester City and has failed to get on the scoresheet since. However, manager Jurgen Klopp is full of support for Jota and is confident that the player will get back to his usual self as Liverpool play on.

A serious calf injury against Manchester City at home in October last year ruled him out of the World Cup as well. A hamstring injury early in the season, and only four league games between that return and this injury have prevented him from having a proper run of games this season.

He returned to the lineup against Everton at home in the 2-0 win and also assisted a goal against Wolves but still has no goals. For someone as clinical in front of goal, this season has certainly not gone the way Jota would have hoped to, but the manager’s backing will obviously serve as a confidence booster for the 26-year-old Portuguese international.

Here is what Klopp had to say on backing Jota through the tough times and reasoned the injury as to why Diogo’s form hasn’t hit the peak yet: (h/t ECHO)

“I thought Diogo has done really well since he’s back because it was a really long injury for that,”

“A super mature boy, super. Dealing well with difficulties and setbacks. It was really impressive, for the age he is.

“The level of the performance he produced, I really liked. He was good against Chelsea. He closed the right side really well and offensively was a threat again.

“He doesn’t have the foundation physically to go and go and go and go, yet, because of the long injury. But Diogo is a really good player and we missed him a lot during the season.”

Jota against the Gunners

In 18 appearances across all competitions this season, Jota has seven assists. And on Sunday, we play his favourite opponent, Arsenal. Seven goals in eight appearances against the Gunners is a commendable feat, and he would hope to score a few against them this weekend as well.

For Liverpool though, the form of Jota is extremely important. He is a top-class talent and would start for almost every top-six team in the world. While it is certainly not nice to see his prime getting wasted due to injuries, Liverpool can only hope that the player returns to optimum form sooner than later.

The atmosphere at Anfield is heavily influenced by the performance and results of the Liverpool team. It is the responsibility of the manager, Jurgen Klopp, and his players to create a positive and energised environment for the fans and vice-versa.

Perhaps the sight of the top-ranked team will motivate the players, including Diogo Jota, to put in their best effort and generate a positive reaction from the crowd. One thing is for sure, it will certainly be a great game to watch for the Neutrals.

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• PSG enter the race for Liverpool transfer target Jude Bellingham
• Liverpool star James Milner could leave Anfield next summer

Following the Gunners, Liverpool travel to the Midlands to face Leeds United in what is certainly another crucial fixture for the Reds in their hopes to secure a top-four finish in the league.