Liverpool manager Arne Slot has thanked Everton for the support they have shown their Merseyside rivals following the death of Diogo Jota in July. Jota died aged 28 in a car crash in Spain, plunging Liverpool into mourning just weeks after celebrating their Premier League title triumph.

 The Portugueses final goal came in the last Merseyside derby in Liverpools 1-0 win in April. Everton return to Anfield on Saturday and on Friday Slot took the opportunity to praise the respect between the clubs despite their fierce rivalry. "They are a good team and there is competition but what I liked and what I want to emphasise is what they did on Friday when Diogo passed away." 

"They showed their respect and in these times of crisis, its great to see that in times of tragedy that competition is still there but respect for both of them is still there." Despite winning the title in a big win in the  last season, Liverpool have overhauled their squad, spending a record £450 million ($612 million) for an English club in a single transfer window that was closed.

 The level of improvement has been seen in some of the players who have struggled with Slots players, but they have still managed to win all five of their Premier League and Champions League games so far thanks to late winners in each match. "I prefer winning games and saying that we can still improve, compared to losing games," added Slot. 

The Dutchman is confident his new signings will have no any  problem at all  adapting to the rigours of the Merseyside derby given their previous experience of big games at club and international level. "For the new players its not their first time playing in an environment where there are a lot of twists and turns in the game," he said.

 "The attitude has to be competitive but also what we need to do to win the game and that is to be aggressive, win the game and also play well on the ball and when we don have the ball." Alexander Isak made his Liverpool debut in the 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday following his £125m British transfer from Newcastle. Slot said the Swede "felt his body better than before" after missing much of pre-season trying to force his way out of St James Park, with Hugo Ekitike expected to return to Isak on Saturday.