It was always going to be a tough one as Liverpool prepared for their opening pre-season friendly at Preston North End, 10 days after Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash in Spain.
There was a rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” which was performed by Claudia Rose Maguire – wife of former Preston player Sean Maguire – before the match kicked off, as Preston captain Ben Whiteman laid a wreath in front of the away fans before the game.
The game kicked off after an impeccably observed minute’s silence, then an image of Jota and Silva was displayed on the Deepdale’s big screen in the 20th minute as the fans applauded and sang his song for at least 10 minutes.
After the game the Liverpool squad and staff went over to the travelling fans to applaud them as they continued to sing Jota’s song.
It’s going to be a difficult season.
