**Liverpool**look forward to a double header against Athletic Club to cap off their schedule of preseason fixtures. It seems as if good times are ahead for a team with many talented incomings and a Premier League title to defend. But the club can never forget the contributions and character of Diogo Jota, and their boss, Arne Slot, has said that "we will always carry him with us in our hearts."
‘So important has been the love and care shown’
The brutal thing about life is that it goes on, but the club continue to pay respects to a former player.
At the start of last month, **Diogo Jota**passed away in a tragic car crash with his brother, André Silva, in Spain. The sporting world paused to mourn his death, and the club continues to remember his life.
“Of course, we know that this will be an emotional occasion, being the first time that we have played at home since we lost Diogo. I know that you will want to pay your tributes before, during and after the games, and I know that we will hear his song ringing out throughout the evening. It’s been a tough time for everyone connected to the club, but especially Diogo’s family, his wife, children and friends.”
The manager expressed particular sympathy for the relatives of the forward, who had married his long-term partner, Rute, only two weeks before the incident. For them, it has been a gut-wrenching time.
“We cannot imagine the pain that they have been going through, and the club will continue to give them all the support they can going forward. We will always carry him with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go.”
The solidarity and reverence in response to Diogo's death have warmed the heart of the Dutchman.
“Diogo’s passing has had a big impact on us all, but what has been so important has been the love and care shown from the football world, and in particular, of course, theLiverpool FC community.”
From all corners of the world, tributes poured out, and it is clear that Jota touched the lives of many.
*“At Anfield, at the AXA Training Centre, at Preston North End and on our recent tour of Hong Kong and Japan, we really felt what Diogo Jota meant to everyone, and how together our fans are.”*
It has been a painful period for the rest of the squad, who would have looked forward to fighting on four fronts with their teammate and friend. However, they have responded in the best way possible.
“I want to mention the strength and the courage of my players here, too. They have found themselves in one of the toughest positions imaginable, but the way they have come together and the way they have conducted themselves, on and off the pitch, is a credit to them and to this football club.”
Slot saluted the players, who have honoured Jota's life but are still finding a way to move forward.
“We really couldn’t have asked more of the boys, and I am extremely proud of them all.”
‘Our tour of Asia was a good one’
The last time **Liverpool**played at their ground was a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at the end of May. Both of these clubs celebrated domestic honours in that meeting, the **Premier League**and **FA Cup**respectively, and the players should file out to a stadium of supporters in a similarly hearty spirit.
“It will be great to be back at Anfield for the first time since we lifted the Premier League trophy back in May, and we are all looking forward to that.”
After two wins on English soil, the Reds flew out for a preseason tour in South Asia. First was a 4-2 defeat to AC Milan in Hong Kong, and then came a 3-1 victory over Yokohama Marinos in Japan. The manager made clear that he was happy with the growth of the group during the last ten days.
“Our tour of Asia was a good one, with a lot of hard work on the training pitches. Pre-season is about getting fit and keeping fit, and although we had a couple of small issues during our 10 days away, the majority of our players returned healthy and in good shape as we count down to the new season.”
The 46-year-old is also content with the work that has happened to blood new arrivals into the squad.
“Pre-season is also about integrating new players, and I think the way our new signings have settled into the group so far has been really good.”
The board has backed Slot, splashing substantive cash this summer. More than £260 million has gone on the first-choice goalkeeper for Georgia, one of the most highly rated creative forces across Europe, one of the best strikers in the Bundesliga, and two dynamic, flying fullbacks. The future is exciting.
*“I know you’ll welcome Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitiké, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Armin Pecsi, Freddie Woodman and Milos Kerkez with open arms. I think they have already felt a little bit of how big and how special Liverpool is. That feeling will grow the longer they are here.”*
However, all the top teams have tried to reinforce their options, so the work will continue to ramp up.
“For now, I look forward to being back at home, back on familiar soil. The hard work continues.”