“It’s About Mental Strength Now” – Diogo Jota on Liverpool’s Premier League Title Pursuit | OneFootball

Mental Steel Driving Liverpool Towards Premier League Glory

In football, title races are rarely straightforward. They are often defined less by moments of brilliance than by the ability to endure, to respond, and to hold firm when pressure mounts. For Liverpool, under the astute guidance of Arne Slot, the current campaign is beginning to feel like the embodiment of that truth.

Following a dramatic late win against West Ham United at Anfield, the Reds have carved out a commanding 13-point lead at the Premier League summit with just six matches left. Though far from a vintage performance, the 2-1 victory — secured by Virgil van Dijk’s header after a nervy equaliser — encapsulated a team showing signs of maturity, resilience, and crucially, mental steel.

Jota Underlines Importance of Psychological Edge

Speaking after the win, Diogo Jota didn’t mince his words when asked what will separate champions from challengers in the run-in.

“Obviously we are arriving at the stage of the season where it’s much more important to get those three points than to play well,” the Portuguese forward told Liverpool’s official matchday programme.

Photo: IMAGO

“I think we played well the majority of the season, but yeah, it’s more about mental strength now, because everybody played a lot of games or had issues like me – a few injuries and then needing to get back.”

His candid reflection highlights a key element of Liverpool’s recent success. This isn’t just about tactical acumen or technical quality — although there’s no shortage of either — but about withstanding the wear and tear of a gruelling season, both physically and mentally.

Squad Freshness Comes at a Crucial Time

With the fixture list easing and only weekend matches remaining, Jota is confident that the team can keep their composure and energy.

“We now have a full week before every game and I think we will be fresh for every game to do our best, like each game is a final now for us.”

Such focus is essential, especially with the next fixture taking the Reds to the King Power Stadium, where they face a Leicester City side scrapping for survival. Should Liverpool win and Arsenal falter at Ipswich Town, Arne Slot could celebrate a title in his debut season — an extraordinary feat by any standard.

Slot’s Impact has been Transformative

When Arne Slot arrived at Anfield to replace the era-defining Jürgen Klopp, questions were naturally asked. Could he maintain the intensity? Would he command the dressing room? Would his ideas translate?

If there were doubts, they’ve long been silenced.

“There’s no magic, there’s hard work!” said Jota, reflecting on Slot’s influence. “I think from the first moment, credit to the gaffer for making us believe in his idea. Obviously the results started coming in straight away and that gave everybody in the building a lot of confidence. I think not only us, but him as well.”

It’s a telling insight from one of the team’s most experienced voices. Belief, unity, and adaptability have all contributed to a Liverpool side that, while not flawless, looks destined for greatness.

“I’m pretty sure if you ask him, he also learned a lot this season. But if you can get over the line with the first big trophy, imagine how bright the future will be?” added Jota.

His sentiments will resonate with Liverpool fans dreaming of a new era of sustained success. But as the forward himself wisely concluded, “until the job is done these conversations don’t really matter too much.”