Unity on display: Liverpool players before kick-off as they returned to action for the first time since the death of Jota
As Liverpool visited Preston for the first pre-season game of their summer, heads were elsewhere.
This was the start of a Premier League title defence with over £200million of new signings expected to debut, but that all felt totally insignificant on a day when tributes were paid to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
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Fans display banners in honour of Jota
Flags bearing Jota's name and the lyrics to his song adorned pub windows, while many donned his No20 shirt. Merchandise vans were decorated with the No20. Some Preston supporters even made a point of wearing red.
Liverpool fans packed the Bill Shankly stand to the rafters long before kick-off. Claudia Rose Maguire led the stadium in signing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' and supporters sang tirelessly throughout the match.
They were in their fullest voice at full-time. After goals from Conor Bradley, Darwin Nunez, and Cody Gakpo wrapped up a 3-1 win, the full Liverpool camp faced the Bill Shankly stand and joined the away fans in song.
Liverpool players were moved after the match
“We will always carry him with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go,” said Slot.
To collectively process the loss of Jota will take time. But players, supporters and coaches are united as they attempt to come to terms with his death.