Jurgen Klopp has spoken publicly about the death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, describing the loss as “like losing a family member.”
The former Reds manager said he was left speechless upon hearing the news that Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, had been killed in a tragic accident in July.
Klopp, now serving as head of football operations at Red Bull, reflected emotionally on the moment he learned of Jota’s death during an interview with The Diary of a CEO podcast.
“I cannot imagine the dressing room right now without him being there,” he said.
“That’s for the boys as well. Nobody at Liverpool will ever use it as an excuse.
“He was so close with James Milner, very close with Kostas Tsimikas — that’s moon and mars. Dealing with it on a personal level… impossible.”
The 58-year-old recalled sitting in stunned silence when he first received the news.
Jurgen Klopp has spoken publicly about the death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, describing the loss as “like losing a family member"
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“I got a message in the morning that it was bad news, from a friend from Liverpool, and I couldn’t believe it,” he said.
“It was not possible. I heard it and knew what it meant. I saw all the pictures from the wedding and the boys were there… I know exactly where I was and how long I sat there without speaking a word.
“It’s exactly like a family member. It’s an example of the things you have to deal with without knowing at all.
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Diogo Jota and Jurgen Klopp worked together at Liverpool for four years
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“You cannot be prepared. You have to sort things you hadn’t expected. I was impressed with his presence, a very special young man.”
Klopp signed Jota from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 for £41million, bringing him into a Liverpool side that was then one of Europe’s most dominant teams.
The Portugal international quickly became a favourite of both the manager and supporters, earning a reputation for his intelligence, sharp movement and eye for goal.
He went on to score 65 goals in 182 appearances, helping Liverpool win the FA Cup and Carabao Cup while also reaching the 2022 Champions League final.
Jota’s professionalism and humility made him one of Klopp’s most trusted players.
The two shared a close bond even after the German left Anfield in 2024, later replaced by Dutch coach Arne Slot.
Diogo Jota and Jurgen Klopp achieved success during their time at Liverpool together
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Klopp has remained in contact with many of his former players, and Jota’s death, he said, was a loss that reverberated far beyond the football pitch.
The tragedy has deeply affected the Liverpool community, where tributes continue to pour in months after the incident. Jota’s teammates have dedicated several performances to his memory, and fans have called for a permanent tribute at Anfield.
Now working in a senior strategic role at Red Bull, Klopp said he is content away from the dugout but did not rule out a future return to coaching.
“I said I would never coach another team in England,” he said. “So that means if, then it’s Liverpool, yeah. Theoretically it’s possible.
“I don’t even know exactly. I love what I do right now. I don’t miss coaching. I do coach, just different — not players — and I don’t miss it.
“I don’t miss standing in the rain for three hours, or going to press conferences three times a week, having twelve interviews a week. I don’t miss that."