Liverpool secured a 3-1 win against Preston North End in a pre-season friendly that served as a tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva.
Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom expressed pride in his team and the club for organising a touching day in memory of Jota, who tragically lost his life alongside his brother in a car accident just 10 days prior to the match at Deepdale.
The passing of Jota has left Liverpool’s squad, coaching staff, supporters, and the wider footballing community in mourning. The Portugal international’s death has been deeply felt, and the occasion provided an opportunity for all to reflect and honour his legacy.
Despite the recent tragedy, Arne Slot and his Liverpool players chose to proceed with the fixture. It marked their first match since Jota’s death. Preston paid their respects by distributing complimentary match-day programmes focused on the brothers, and the pre-match atmosphere was marked by a rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone. Preston captain Ben Whiteman also laid a wreath in front of the travelling fans, followed by a minute’s silence in remembrance.
During the game, chants of Jota’s name echoed around the stadium. On the 20th minute, reflecting his shirt number, a photo of Diogo and Andre was shown on the screen, while Liverpool confirmed that the number 20 shirt has now been retired in his honour. Post-match, more tributes followed as both clubs and fans united in solidarity.
With worldwide eyes on the event due to the tragic circumstances, Liverpool delivered a strong performance. Goals from Conor Bradley, Darwin Nunez, and Cody Gakpo sealed the 3-1 result.
Heckingbottom expressed hope that the game marked the beginning of a healing process for Liverpool following such a devastating loss.
Via the Lancashire Evening Post, he said: “The eyes of the football world were on us and we wanted to represent ourselves, and the wider football world, in the correct way and pay our respects in the correct way. I hope that we were able to do that and I hope that came across to everyone affected.
“I’m proud of everyone. I thanked Arne (Slot) for coming to the game. I hope that this has begun their healing process, if you like. I hope that they feel better for having that game and it’s a step closer to where they need to get themselves to, without a doubt. But I’m proud of everyone who’s been involved in the planning of this.
“The fans, the behaviour, the way everyone showed their respect and also the players and staff. I felt we were representing more than ourselves today. It’s difficult. It’s a game of football and, listen, I’ll credit both sets of players, both sets of staff. It was a proper game when the whistle went and you’ve got to do that.
“We don’t want to risk injuries. We want to pay our respects in the right way. You’ve got to do it properly but it’s tough, yeah. I can’t imagine how it is for the staff, players and families affected. I didn’t come out because I didn’t want to see that. But, yes, I’m pleased with how everyone represented us and the wider football world.
“It puts things into perspective about life and football in general. That was my first conversation with the players. I’ll not forget the morning when we saw the news. The whole training ground stopped. We went out, got everyone together and just reminded everyone that people are always moaning, things going against them, things aren’t right.
“Then you see news like that, it puts things into perspective. I think that’s the message. It reminds everyone how fragile life is, but we’re lucky enough to play a fantastic game that we all love. Diogo, believe me having been against him a few times, was that type of player as well. The game was played in the right way for him, for everyone involved.”
Premier League champions Liverpool controlled much of the match against Championship side Preston. Although Liam Lindsay briefly narrowed the deficit following goals from Conor Bradley and Darwin Nunez, a late strike from Cody Gakpo sealed a comfortable victory for the Reds.
Heckingbottom said on Preston’s performance: “Some good bits, some sloppy bits. We had sloppy moments with the ball but they can force you to do that. A couple of mistakes for goals but yeah, from individual players who we’ve signed, from individual players who we know well, there were lots of things to show what we’re about, which is good.”
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