[Liverpool](https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/) begin their pre-season work in earnest as they take on Preston North End in a few hours. It will be a difficult task given that the club are very much still in mourning after the passing of Diogo Jota a mere 9 days ago.
I am certain that some on the squad will relish the return to something familiar - routine can be a bit of a salve. Others might find comfort in being able to focus on the work itself. All, though, will be enduring the preparation while contending with the tricky beast that is grief.
I’ve spent the past 9 days mostly in a stupor. I couldn’t find words that felt appropriate to mark this sudden loss - in truth, I still haven’t. And every attempt felt too inward, too removed from the folks most immediately impacted.
I’ve given myself, though, some space to grieve. To allow myself to admit that Diogo meant something - the goals, yes, but his particular fascination w/ EAFC (née FIFA) being a link that’s brought me a different space to grieve. I finally felt like I’d caught up to the news.
Personally, my only hope for the Reds at this moment that they may be afforded that space. To know that grief will sometimes pop up unexpectedly, like an unannounced houseguest demanding your attention at times that may feel inopportune.
I want the Reds to win everything all of the time. I am, after all, a fan. But for this group, I want peace, comfort, and healing. And I hope they’re able to find some measure of that in the coming season, which now stands visible over the horizon.