The start of preseason is typically a time for hope and optimism. Anything is still possible, running the gamut of staving off relegation for some, improbable trophy runs for others, or domestic and European glory for the top teams.
For Liverpool, this preseason was supposed to be about building on their Premier League title and launching into an era of domestic dominance and chasing yet another Champions League trophy. Exciting players like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez had already been brought in to strengthen an already strong side.
Instead, a pall now hangs over everything as the players, staff, and supporters struggle to deal with the death of Diogo Jota and his brother André. Players were supposed to start arriving to the Axa Training Center for physical testing on Friday, but the start of preseason was postponed to allow players and staff time and space to work through their shock and grief. The majority of the team traveled to Gondomar, Portugal to attend the funeral on Saturday.
While Liverpool’s players and staff probably deserve more time to process and grieve the loss of a teammate, the start of the Premier League season will not wait. Players will report to Kirkwood on Tuesday as they attempt to come together and begin preseason training.
It is still uncertain if Liverpool’s initial preseason friendly with Preston North End will occur as scheduled next Sunday. For their part, Preston are planning a tribute to Diogo Jota should the friendly be played at their ground as was planned.