Maresca hails Reds' players' response to Diogo Jota tragedy

ENZO Maresca praised the fortitude of Liverpool's players in continuing to perform while they grieve Diogo Jota.

- By PAUL WHEELOCK, CONNOR O'NEILL & ROBERT O'CONNOR PA

The forward's death at the age of 28 came weeks after he had helped the Reds to the Premier League title.

Arne Slot's side lead the way this season after six matches and the Chelsea head coach - who suffered a similar tragedy in 2007 when Sevilla teammate Antonio Puerta died suddenly - believes the defending champions' performances have been the more remarkable for what they are going through.

"I don't think it's better to play them now just because they've dropped points," said Maresca.

"It's always a tough game. The way they're doing this season is fantastic, especially after the Jota tragedy.

"I went through the same when I was a player 20 years ago.