Jota says Klopp still contacts Liverpool players after Slot appointment

22 June 2024 , 09:33

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Jota thought he'd won the game for Portugal against the Czech Republic (Image: Getty Images)

Jurgen Klopp still appears to be on top of everything going on in the lives of Liverpool players, as a recent message to Diogo Jota shows.

Portugal forward Jota thought he'd won the game for his country in their Euro 2024 clash with the Czech Republic on Tuesday, but his close range header was eventually disallowed by VAR for an offside against Cristiano Ronaldo.

Prior to the goal being chalked off though, Jota grabbed the ball from the back of the net and put it down his shirt - the often-seen celebration from players who are celebrating new arrivals to the family.

Klopp was clearly watching on, and so quickly messaged his former forward to congratulate him and partner Rute Cardoso, who later announced that they are expecting their third child, and first girl, in November this year.

“By chance he sent a message after the first game,” Jota told reporters at a Portugal press conference, via O Jogo. “He is a coach who doesn’t miss anything, he knows the moments when he should talk to the players.

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“It was a word of support for my goal being disallowed and having a special meaning for me. But then we won the three points, that was the most important thing.”

Indeed, Jota's disallowed goal ultimately didn't affect Portugal as they won the game 2-1 thanks to a stoppage-time strike from fellow substitute Francisco Conceicao. Portugal face Turkey in Dortmund in their second group stage match on Saturday.

Jota saw his close range header chalked off (Getty Images)

Much of the talk prior to the game has centred on Cristiano Ronaldo, with manager Roberto Martinez lauching into a fierce defence of his 39-year-old captain on Friday.

"There is no other player in the history of football who has played six Euros," said Martinez.

"It is important to understand what a player brings. Cristiano brings experience, he brings... Opportunities to goal and a way to open spaces.

"Cristiano is in the national team because he deserves to be here. Just look at what he did and what he has done in recent competitions."

Mark Jones