The 2025/26 season will bring a profoundly different psychological test for Liverpool following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
Normally, July is a time of optimism, as players return to training full of energy, smiles, and anticipation for the new season. But this year’s reunion at the AXA Training Centre was marked by sorrow, as the squad continues to grapple with the devastating loss of a beloved teammate and friend.
The situation is particularly challenging for Liverpool’s new signings — Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Armin Pecsi, and Milos Kerkez — who join the club during a period of collective mourning.
Liverpool’s Players Face an Unprecedented Emotional Test
The Daily Star spoke with mental health professionals about how the Liverpool squad may begin to process this tragedy in the coming days, weeks, and months — especially for those unfamiliar with the club and its emotional dynamics.
Dr. Ravi Gill, a Chartered Psychologist, explained that players like Frimpong and Wirtz are in a unique situation: trying to make an impression in a grieving environment. Balancing the need to prove themselves while being sensitive to an emotional process they weren’t part of can lead to feelings of awkwardness or detachment. These players will need tailored mental health support that addresses both performance and emotional well-being.
Clinical Psychologist Dr. Daniel Glazer added that newcomers may avoid light-hearted behavior out of fear of being inappropriate, which could hinder team bonding and hurt their self-confidence on the pitch. He recommended assigning senior mentors to guide new players and help them navigate the emotional atmosphere more comfortably.
Dr. Sarah Boss, Clinical Director at The Balance Rehab Clinic, noted that while new players may not feel personally connected to the loss, they will still be stepping into a team deeply affected by grief. Subtle shifts in mood, team bonding, or leadership roles may be felt, and it’s essential they receive emotional guidance alongside tactical training. Understanding the emotional landscape is key to helping them show respect while also finding their place in the squad.
Support Will Be Essential in the Wake of Tragedy
It’s impossible for outsiders to truly grasp the magnitude of Diogo Jota’s loss or how it will affect Liverpool’s players. Even within a close-knit group like Arne Slot’s squad, each player will experience and handle the grief differently — and it’s crucial that everyone is given the space and support to do so in their own way.
Our thoughts go out not only to those who knew and were close to Jota but also to the new signings arriving at the club under such emotionally heavy circumstances. Joining a new team is always a challenge, but for players like Wirtz and Kerkez, it’s especially tough now.
One source of hope is the strength of leadership within the Liverpool dressing room. Veteran players such as Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson are likely to provide unwavering support to their teammates. But even they must be encouraged to acknowledge and process their own grief.
As the squad slowly works through this painful chapter, it’s essential that every member of the club has access to the help and resources they need. This is a time for compassion, patience, and unity at Liverpool FC.
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