NewsDiogo Jota: It's all about mental strength at this stage

Arne Slot’s team displayed their character once again last weekend to open up a 13-point advantage at the summit with six games remaining.

A difficult second half against West Ham United at Anfield saw the Reds surrender a one-goal lead via an unfortunate Andy Robertson own goal with 86 minutes played.

But players and supporters immediately rallied with intent and within moments Liverpool had crafted a winner, Virgil van Dijk meeting Alexis Mac Allister’s corner kick with a headed finish to make it 2-1.

As a result, Jota and co now require a maximum of six points to guarantee championship success.

“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 Portugal international said in Sunday’s official matchday programme.

“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.

“So it’s been a tough season for everyone, mentally and physically, but I think the mental part now plays a bigger role.

“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.”

Next on the schedule is a trip to King Power Stadium to meet Leicester City this Sunday afternoon.

Liverpool could mathematically be crowned champions on the day, if they were to beat the Foxes and Arsenal lost at Ipswich Town earlier.

Such a position represents an outstanding achievement for Slot in his maiden campaign as the club’s head coach, and Jota gave his insight on how the team have progressed under the Dutchman.

“There’s no magic, there’s hard work!” said the No.20.

“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.

“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?

“So it is an amazing start and I think it exceeded the expectations from the beginning of the season, but like I said – until the job is done these conversations don’t really matter too much.”