Klopp recalls being convinced by Jota after stunning first Wolves viewing
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that his admiration for Diogo Jota started when he first had the opportunity to watch him playing for Wolves.
Jota moved from Molineux to Anfield in September and has made a stunning impact so far. Indeed, after nine goals in 14 games he has become an unmissable figure in his side’s attack.
The Portuguese‘s latest strike was another brilliant effort in his fast-growing collection; the winger dummied past Brighton’s defence before slotting in the bottom corner.
Speaking to UEFA, though, Klopp said that three Jota traits proved key factors in his admiration for the player. In fact, such attributes convinced him from the start.
“Diogo, I liked, honestly, from the first game I saw him playing for Wolves. That’s how it is,” the manager said.
“He had no idea about that, obviously, but for me it was always clear that when he was kind of in reach, I would go for him because he’s very, very interesting and had an exciting career so far: what he did, where he’s come from, the moves he made, bam bam bam.
“I liked the discipline he showed, plus the creativity he showed, plus the desire he showed.
“And his skills are pretty good anyway, so I got a lot of good signs before we signed him that it could work out.”
There were doubts about whether any signing could match – and compete – for a place in Liverpool‘s attack.
However, Jota has smashed those questions away with his form. What’s more, he has even raised doubts about Roberto Firmino’s role that Klopp has had to dispel.
Klopp told to end greedy fixture agenda
Meanwhile, Klopp will be thankful that Jota is not among the list of Liverpool players to have suffered injury this season.
Naby Keita, Xherdan Shaqiri, Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fabinho have all suffered muscle or related issues because of the short turnaround in matches.
Klopp has taken issue with the Premier League’s broadcasting partners, especially last weekend. The German got into a heated debate on BT Sport after his side played at 12.30pm on Saturday.
According to Chris Sutton, though, the manager’s rants are “pathetic” and need to stop.
