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Ex-Liverpool keeper Kelleher says Jota’s death shapes club’s season

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Ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher says the death of Diogo Jota has changed how the club approaches the season, with grief taking priority over results

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Ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has revealed that the death of teammate Diogo Jota has deeply affected Liverpool’s approach to the current season, with players prioritising mental wellbeing over results.

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Jota, the Portuguese winger, tragically died in a car crash last summer at age 28.

He scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool and played a key role in the club’s FA Cup and League Cup victories in 2022, as well as their Premier League title win last season.

Liverpool currently sit sixth in the Premier League, 14 points behind leaders Arsenal. Despite this, Kelleher, who moved to Brentford last June, said the emotional impact of Jota’s passing has overshadowed football for the club.

“Obviously, football is a massive sport, and people have an opinion, which is natural. People expect you to move on quite quickly, and I don’t think that’s the case,” Kelleher told The Independent.

“I find it a bit strange and a bit difficult when I hear people speaking about the players at Liverpool and the performances, because I don’t think this season is even important from a football aspect for them.”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot echoed these sentiments in November, noting the team still misses Jota both on and off the pitch.

Defender Andrew Robertson also described struggling to cope with Jota’s loss during Scotland’s World Cup qualification matches.

Kelleher, who joined Liverpool’s academy in 2015 and made 67 appearances for the first team, said being away from Anfield has made processing the tragedy easier.

“I stay in touch with some of the guys there, and I have a lot of good friends there. It’s a very difficult time for them, a difficult season, with circumstances that people probably aren’t taking into account too much,” he said.

The 27-year-old added that his move to Brentford was the right decision for his career, independent of the tragedy.

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“From an individual aspect, for me to leave and play first-team football was obviously right, never mind the tragedy that happened,” Kelleher said.

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Arteta Praises Moyes, Warns Arsenal of Everton Threat

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Arteta praises Moyes ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Everton, warning that David Moyes’ organised side poses a serious threat

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Everton boss David Moyes as a respected figure in English football while warning that his team must prepare for a difficult Premier League encounter at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

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Speaking ahead of the match on October 24, 2026, Arteta highlighted Moyes’ longevity, contribution to English football and qualities as both a coach and a person.

Asked whether Moyes could be considered the king of the Premier League, Arteta expressed admiration for his Everton counterpart.

“100%; I don’t know if it’s the king or what it is, but he’s certainly someone that I think we all look up to,” he said.

Arteta praised Moyes not only for his long career but also for what he represents within the game.

“Not only for his longevity, but I think what he represents for the game, what he represents for the Premier League, and his trajectory,” he said.

The Arsenal manager added that his personal relationship with Moyes had strengthened his respect for him.

“For me especially, because I know the man behind the coach, which is the most important thing, and then I really know as well the coach, and he’s a superb coach,” Arteta said.

Arteta spent six years at Everton as a player, giving him first-hand knowledge of the club and its expectations.

Despite Arsenal’s home advantage, Arteta cautioned against underestimating Everton, pointing to their tactical organisation and individual talent under Moyes.

“There are a lot, because I know David so well and how he sets the team, the quality they have in their organisation and individually,” he said.

Arteta also noted that Everton had avoided defeat before their most recent match, describing them as a well-balanced side capable of making life difficult for Arsenal.

“It’s no coincidence they didn’t lose before their last game.

They have a really good team, which we know because in recent clashes, it’s always been a really difficult game for us,” he added.

The warning underlines Arsenal’s need for concentration against an Everton side Arteta expects to provide a stern test.

Arteta also discussed the tactical approaches Arsenal could face, acknowledging that opposing teams would decide how best to challenge his side.

He said managers prepare their teams according to what they believe gives them the best chance of winning, meaning Arsenal must be ready for different styles of play.

“Every team is going to prepare in the best way with how they think they can beat us, like we do with the opponent,” Arteta said.

He explained that an early opportunity or goal could dramatically alter the course of a match, influencing how both teams approach the remaining minutes.

“You could have an open chance in the first 10 minutes that changes the game and then the next 80 minutes are different because of the context of the game, results have a huge impact on how teams behave,” he said.

Arteta stressed that Arsenal must be capable of finding solutions regardless of how the contest develops.

“We need to be able to win and enjoy as much as possible in every context,” he added.

The Spaniard also responded to discussions about Arsenal’s style of play, saying the team must focus on its own performance while respecting the opposition.

Arteta acknowledged that football naturally generates strong reactions and that assessments of a team can change depending on what happens during a match.

“I think you have to respect every opponent – it would be good to be a bit consistent, but it’s understandable,” he said.

He added that Arsenal’s responsibility was to deliver performances that keep supporters engaged, even when opponents adopt defensive or cautious tactics.

“But that’s normal, that’s the expectation, and our job is to create constant excitement. The opponent has a lot to do with how they want to play, it’s inevitable, but it’s on us,” Arteta said.

Arsenal’s meeting with Everton comes as the Gunners continue to balance their domestic campaign with European commitments.

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Arteta’s comments make clear that he expects his players to adapt to the tactical demands of the contest and deliver a performance capable of securing a positive result.

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Arokodare Eyes Permanent Ajax Move After Strong Start

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Tolu Arokodare has expressed interest in a permanent Ajax move after an impressive loan spell, scoring and assisting in the win over Atalanta (more…)

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Courtois Warns Barcelona Ahead of El Clásico Showdown

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Thibaut Courtois says El Clásico is always 50-50 as Real Madrid prepare to face Barcelona in Sunday’s La Liga clash at Camp Nou

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