Liverpool’s head coach offered a moving tribute to Diogo Jota ahead of the team’s first pre-season match, reflecting the immense emotional toll the past days have taken on the squad. Just ten days after the tragic car accident that claimed the lives of Jota and his brother André Silva in Spain, the team returned to the pitch with heavy hearts, securing a 3-1 win over Preston North End.
Speaking in a heartfelt interview, the manager admitted how challenging it had been for everyone to resume normal routines. The weight of grief hung over the club, and even the smallest actions—whether to train, laugh, or express frustration—felt uncertain. In trying to navigate these emotions, the coach encouraged the players to take inspiration from Jota’s own spirit.
“What I said to the team is that maybe the best way to move forward is to try and handle things the way Jota would have,” the manager reflected. “He was always himself, no matter the moment—whether talking to his teammates, coaches, or staff. He never changed, and I believe we should honour him by doing the same. Laugh when you feel like it. Cry if that’s what you need. Be real.”
At Deepdale Stadium, the atmosphere was deeply emotional. Scarves and flags were held high in tribute to Jota, while the familiar notes of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” stirred tears among fans and players alike. Before kickoff, Preston’s captain laid a wreath in front of the travelling Liverpool supporters, and a minute of silence was observed in remembrance.
The 20th minute marked a powerful moment of collective emotion as fans erupted into Jota’s chant, sung to the melody of “Bad Moon Rising.” It was a spontaneous show of love, marking the minute associated with his shirt number—20, which the club has since retired in his honour.
On the pitch, Liverpool played with a mix of sorrow and resolve. Darwin Núñez paid homage to Jota after scoring Liverpool’s second goal, celebrating with one of Jota’s signature gestures—mimicking playing a video game while seated on the ground. Conor Bradley and Cody Gakpo also found the net during the match.
Players had only just returned to training after attending Jota’s funeral in Portugal, and the club had opted to delay pre-season preparations to give them time to mourn.
The head coach described Jota as a player he could always count on, especially in difficult moments. “I would look at him and say, ‘Now we need something special,’ and he would deliver. Over and over again,” he said. “So now, in one of our hardest moments, we have to try and do what he did—push a little more, keep going, and find a way through.”
While acknowledging the difficulty of finding meaning in football after such a devastating loss, the coach emphasized the need for the club to continue moving forward, even in pain. “We carry him with us,” he said. “And though everything feels less important right now, we are a football team. And we have to train. We have to play again—whether we feel ready or not.”
