Diogo Jota: It's a historical win, but we'll stay grounded
Diogo Jota thoroughly enjoyed playing his part in a 'historical' 5-0 win over Manchester United but pledged that Liverpool's players will remain grounded as they pursue the Premier League title.
The Portugal forward netted the Reds’ second of the afternoon at Old Trafford on Sunday, adding to Naby Keita’s early opener and preceding a clinical hat-trick from Mohamed Salah.
“It’s historical but we as players, we can’t think over our heads. I think it’s important that we keep our feet on the floor. It’s just [another] three points, there is a long way to go,” Jota told Liverpoolfc.com.
Read on for the rest of our post-match chat with the No.20…
Diogo, what a day! I imagine this is the sort of thing you dreamed of last night?
It’s hard to dream [about such a win], which is a good thing, to be honest. We always expect a tight game, at least in terms of the result, but I think we were outstanding today, especially until the 2-0. In the first 15 minutes we were almost perfect. After that, we conceded a little bit counter-attacks and started losing the ball, but in the end it’s a historical result and one for the fans to remember for a while.
What clicked so well in that incredible first half?
Sometimes things just happen naturally. I think we were of course on our toes, everyone was searching for the space and I think in the end with the two goals coming soon, that helps as well. We were very dangerous and we did a fantastic game today.
Everyone is talking about Salah at the moment. What can you say about his form and the impact he is having on this team?
Massive! I think of course the way the team is playing at the moment helps a finisher like he is. It is one of those times when every time he touches the ball it seems to end in the back of the net! That is unbelievable for us and I hope that can continue for a while.
It was great to see the desire for perfection in the team too, you were desperate to keep that clean sheet towards the end of the game…
Yeah, I think a clean sheet is always important because if you do that it allows for you just to score one goal and win the game. I think that’s what we need to fight for because with the quality that we have up front, if we keep that clean sheet [then] I’m pretty sure we will win the game.