How on earth do Liverpool’s players get themselves up for a game after the events of the last 11 days?
That is the almost impossible question that may have been playing on Arne Slot’s mind ever since his squad decided to go ahead with today’s friendly against Preston, so soon after they had to bid the most painful of farewells to Diogo Jota.
It will be a hugely emotional day at Deepdale, with tributes planned for Liverpool’s No.20 and his brother, Andre Silva, ahead of kick-off. Yet, once the whistle goes, the Reds will somehow have to turn their attention toward next season’s title defense.
It’s an unprecedented situation for those players, who will still be managing their grief. As Mohamed Salah said in his tribute to Jota, players come and go, but not like this.
No one got the chance to say goodbye to Jota, and now they have to face up to playing on without him, starting with a game with absolutely nothing riding on it other than a chance to build up fitness.
Never has a game felt more insignificant. Yet, at the same time, it will hold so much significance for Jota’s former teammates.
Arne Slot and Liverpool's players look at tributes left to Diogo Jota outside Anfield
Arne Slot and Liverpool's players look at tributes left to Diogo Jota outside Anfield (Image: Getty Images)
The forward would have relished the opportunity to help Liverpool to back-to-back titles, and now the Reds have an added incentive to do so - albeit one they would rather have gone without.
Today will see a huge outpouring of emotion, both in the stands and on the pitch. Liverpool’s players will have to dig deep to find some strength, and they could not have seen a better example of that than on Friday.
Jota’s wife Rute and his family displayed unbelievable courage as they accompanied the Reds’ players and staff to Anfield. That will be their motivation as they step out onto the pitch for the first time without their great friend.
Liverpool's players and staff accompanied Diogo Jota's wife Rute and his family to Anfield on Friday
Liverpool's players and staff accompanied Diogo Jota's wife Rute and his family to Anfield on Friday (Image: Getty Images)
And Slot already knows just how strong his team is. “We just kept on fighting,” he told his players at the end of last season. “We have refused to lose this season so it has been an amazing season for us. The work that you have put in has been absolutely outstanding.”
It will of course be a different kind of fight, but just by choosing to go ahead with today’s game, Liverpool’s players have already demonstrated they’re ready for it.
Getting back onto the pitch could be just what is needed for them - something of a distraction at such a difficult time. But it's also the first step toward paying what would be the perfect tribute next season, and one that their teammate would have loved to have been a part of.
Jota may not be with them in person, but he will remain with them in spirit. Liverpool’s players have carried themselves with great dignity over the past week or so, and no doubt they will do themselves proud once again as they take their first step without their No.20.