It was rather a mixed start for Portugal in the UEFA Euro 2024. Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. weren’t at their best as they secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Group F rivals Czech Republic. Although the scoreline could have included another goal from Diogo Jota, his efforts were eventually ruled offside. While this may have been a confidence-shattering moment for the forward, the Os Navegadores star revealed that his former Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp, came to his rescue to uplift his spirits.

Having spent three seasons under the German tactician since arriving from Wolves in 2020, the former Dortmund manager’s heartfelt gesture impressed Jota. “Klopp messaged me after [Portugal’s] first game. He is a coach that doesn’t miss anything, he knows the right moments he should talk to the players,” said the 27-year-old, as compiled by @AnfieldEdition on X. “It was a word of support because my goal was disallowed and it had a special meaning for me,” Jota added.

As midfielder Lukas Provod broke the deadlock for Czechia after the hour mark, Portugal’s opener came through an own-goal from rival defender Robin Hranac. Coming on as a substitute, Jota thought he gave a lead to his side after heading the ball in from Ronaldo’s rebound shot until cold water was poured on his hopes.

Even his planned celebration went in vain, where he was seen quickly snatching the ball from rival goalie Jindrich Stanek to put it under his shirt and suck his thumb, suggesting that he and his partner, Rute Cardoso, are expecting their third child.

Luckily, youngster Francisco Conceicao made no mistake sealing a win for Portugal. Meanwhile, treading the path of Klopp, a Liverpool icon offered similar support to another Reds star.

Luis Suarez sided with Jurgen Klopp to defend Darwin Nunez from Michael Owen’s criticism

In an interview, Luis Suarez praised Darwin Nunez for his lack of arrogance: “Those are details that demonstrate the greatness and humility of a player who is going to be one of the best, if not [already] one of the best in the world today.” Interestingly, this sentiment echoes Klopp’s feelings about Nunez, who admired the striker’s ability to create decent scoring opportunities.

Klopp asserted Nunez has more than five years of top-level performance ahead of him. However, Michael Owen had a different opinion.

The Manchester United icon doubled down on his criticism of the 24-year-old, citing reckless play and frequent missed chances. Owen pointed out that Nunez, who ranked just behind Erling Haaland in missing big chances in the Premier League last season with 27, needs to improve.

Otherwise, fans will come to accept his inconsistency as a permanent flaw. Perhaps Nunez may get the confidence from Suarez and Klopp’s backing. Similar can be the case for Diogo Jota, who may get a chance to impress in the next games.