Case🐘

I think we sometimes forget what these lads have been through. Today they walked into the dressing room and saw that empty number 20 shirt. They saw the family of their mate who will never get to see her husband and father again. They heard Anfield singing his name, and they went out there, gave absolutely everything, burned with the desire to win for him and Mo, desperate to score one for him too. Yeah, Slot’s subs weren’t great. Yeah, it’s obvious we’re not fully in sync yet, how could we be? We’ve been out of competitive rhythm, not having played a proper game since April 27. But honestly, I’d put all that aside. Those things will get better with time. The three points were all that mattered tonight. We’ll get better, no doubt about it. Everything will fall into place. But what we too often forget, when we’re busy with criticism, analysis, and all the talk about football, is what’s beyond football, losing Diogo Jota, and how hard that’s hit everyone. I’m unbelievably proud of these lads, of Anfield, of our supporters. I’m certain Diogo’s spirit will guide us towards silverware this season. The way Salah wanted that goal, just to dedicate it to Jota, says it all. And Anfield telling Jota’s family they’ll always be welcome here, that this is their home too that’s massive. For you, Diogo. What an emotional night. A proper Liverpool performance. A Jota-style finish from Ekitike, Salah’s tears, the goal tributes from Gakpo, Ekitike, Salah, Van Dijk - all of it for him. 💔