InterviewDiogo Jota on return from injury, 50 LFC goals, fan support and more

The No.20 stepped off the bench against Burnley on Boxing Day to score a vital late effort and seal all three points in a 2-0 victory at Turf Moor, and then claimed an assist in the 4-2 win over Newcastle United at Anfield on New Year’s Day.

Jota had been missing from Jürgen Klopp’s squad since late November prior to his goalscoring comeback in Lancashire, and his return may prove timely with fellow forward Mohamed Salah having now departed for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

“It’s probably the worst month [December] to be injured because of the quantity of the games that we have,” Jota told Liverpoolfc.com.

“But at least the team on the pitch was getting those three points, even though when we could not win twice at home, that was maybe the worst bit, we still managed to avoid defeat and we managed to be there [at] the top of the league. I come back here now and I want to help, especially this month when we lost two more players, [Wataru] Endo and Mo, we need everyone fit and ready to help.”

On dealing with the absence of Salah, he added: “If I remember right we did quite well two years ago, but it’s never easy because the team is used to having Mo on that right wing and we know what a threat he is for the opponent. Just his presence even sometimes without touching the ball is enough.

“We will not have that, it’s a certainty, so we need to adapt. On the other hand, I know we have the quality in this squad to make his absence look like it’s not happening, hopefully that’s what it’s going to be. We know with him it will be easier but we are all ready to give it a go.”

Read on for more from the interview with Jota, as he discusses the support he receives from Liverpool fans, his strike at Burnley, reaching 50 Reds goals and more...

On his goalscoring return against Burnley...

I told this story, but it was a special 24 hours because I was not really expecting to be in the matchday squad. I was with family at home for Christmas and I just came back and I said, ‘Look, you cannot travel tomorrow because I’ll be part of the team for Burnley, so I want you guys there with me and, by the way, I’m going to score.’

We changed everything, I had this celebration as well ready, and I was so glad when the ball went in. I think Jürgen said, and it totally made sense, [that I’m] a boy full of conviction, and that was true. It was a special moment for me and for my family and everyone was happy in the end.

On the support from Liverpool fans and reception at Burnley...

It’s a feeling of being proud. Obviously they acknowledge me as a big part of the team and I’ve been out for a period of time. As soon as I’m going out to warm up they saw me and start singing. You feel like everything is in the right place at that moment and you just want to go on the pitch and make them smile in the end like I did. It was a perfect night, although it was freezing!

On reaching 50 goals for Liverpool that night and how his game has developed...

At the time I didn’t know, I was not aware that it was going to be 50, but it is a good mark. Although I spent a lot of time injured, unfortunately for me, it is an achievement and I look at that as another reason to be proud.

For sure I’m not the same player that stepped in the door for the first time three or four years ago almost. I think I’m better now, I understand the game better, I feel like I’m properly at home and every time I step on the pitch I know what it means to these fans and what I have to do to help the team win football games, and that in the end is what everyone wants.

On whether he feels fresh and ready after returning from injury...

Fresh, yes, but obviously it is a break in the rhythm. I played 10 minutes at Burnley and played half an hour against Newcastle, so I’m still developing, and in the cup hopefully [I can get] a few more minutes. We are still building it; although I could be fresh there is that rhythm that you obviously lose when you are out for a period of time.