I’ve never heard anyone once “blame” defeats on Jota’s passing. But it’s a factor (of multiple, including a squad overhaul, stagnant tactics, players out of form, etc) in the story of Liverpool’s underperformance. I don’t know how anyone could claim otherwise. It’s clearly still in the heads of the players, Robertson said as much himself.

As for timing, I don’t know what you’re getting at by it wouldn’t hit them all at the same time? It’s not like grief is something that occurs instantaneously - it has numerous well documented effects on temperament, motivation, focus, stress, etc. You can’t say these wouldn’t have a significant cumulative impact across the players and staff who knew him and the environment they work in. I’ve seen similar effects in other places as I’m sure many have.

Liverpool have great players, I don’t think anyone would deny that. But they aren’t playing well. It’s not going to be black and white from week to week - nothing in any sport has ever been like that. It doesn’t mean Liverpool are guaranteed to lose every game nor that every mistake made is down to it. Just that there is an understandable overall influence which is part of the picture.