Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has spoken about the heartbreaking death of Diogo Jota, describing the late striker as “a family member” and “a very special young man.”
Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a tragic accident in July, leaving the football world in shock. Klopp, who signed Jota from Wolves in 2020 for £41 million, said he was devastated when he got the news.
Speaking on Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO podcast, Klopp recalled the painful moment he learned of Jota’s passing.
“I got a message in the morning that it was bad news, and I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “I sat there for a long time without saying a word. It was like losing a family member.”
Klopp said Jota had been very close to several teammates, including James Milner and Kostas Tsimikas, adding that the dressing room still feels his absence deeply.
“He was such a presence — a very special young man,” Klopp said. “Nobody at Liverpool will ever use this as an excuse, but it’s impossible to deal with on a personal level.”
Jota scored 65 goals in 182 games for Liverpool, helping the club win the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, and reach the 2022 Champions League final under Klopp’s leadership.
Though Klopp left Liverpool in 2024 and now serves as Head of Football Operations at Red Bull, he said he still maintains a close bond with many at the club.
The 58-year-old also reflected on his current role, saying he’s enjoying life away from the touchline but hasn’t completely ruled out returning to management one day.
“I said I would never coach another team in England — if ever, it would be Liverpool. But right now, I love what I do. I don’t miss the press conferences or standing in the rain for hours,” Klopp said with a smile.
Despite his grief, Klopp’s words painted a picture of deep affection — not just for Jota, but for the Liverpool family they built together.
