Diogo Jota has admitted he and his Liverpool teammates were ‘shocked’ by news that Jurgen Klopp will leave the club at the end of the season.
Klopp confirmed last week he would be standing down from his position as manager at the end of the current campaign. His backroom staff will also leave while sporting director Jorg Schmadtke has already departed following the conclusion of the January transfer window.
During his public announcement, Klopp revealed he told Liverpool’s board of his decision back in November. Speaking to A Bola in his native Portugal, Jota said the German’s decision caught the players off guard.
“It was a shock for everyone, that’s the reality. I don’t think anyone in the dressing room was expecting to hear news like that, especially since this season is going so well,” he said.
“But it’s not up to us to make that decision, just to accept it. It will be a problem later on, knowing who the coach will be next season and so on.
“We still have a lot to fight for this season. So we have to focus on what we have to do on the pitch and also, in a way, make his legacy more colourful with a few trophies. That’s what we want, just as we wanted before he announced his decision, because obviously we always want to win.”
Jota has been in fine form for Liverpool since returning from a muscle injury at the end of December, scoring five goals and adding three assists in eight games after reaching full fitness again.
Liverpool continue their search for a farewell Premier League title for Klopp with a trip to Arsenal on Sunday. The Reds could end the gameweek eight points clear if they win at the Emirates Stadium and rivals Manchester City lose at Brentford on Monday night.
