Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom revealed he thanked Arne Slot after Liverpool's friendly with Preston went ahead as planned on Sunday, 10 days on from the death of Liverpool player Diogo Jota.
After a consultation involving players and staff at the start of last week, the decision was taken that the Reds would proceed with the game at Deepdale. Liverpool won 3-1 courtesy of goals from Conor Bradley, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo, and afterwards Heckingbottom showed his class as he addressed the tragic circumstances surrounding the game.
“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," Heckingbottom said. "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.
Virgil van Dijk and Liverpool's players watch on as fans pay tribute to Diogo Jota
Liverpool's friendly with Preston was filled with tributes to Jota (Image: Getty Images)
“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.”