Liverpool’s head coach, Arne Slot and Captain Virgil Van Dijk, both detailed the team’s reaction to the tragic death of Diogo Jota before a return to Anfield on Monday evening.
For the first time since the raising of the Premier League trophy in May, the Reds return home, where they will face the athletics club in a double pre-season head at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
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It will be the first match in Anfield since the tragic death of striker Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, who rocked the club and the world of football.
In a message to fans before the game, Slot said: “It was a difficult period for everyone linked to the club, but especially for Diogo’s family, his wife, children and friends.
“We cannot imagine the pain they have gone through, and the club will continue to give them all the support they can in the future. We will always wear it with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go.
“I also want to mention the strength and courage of my players here. They found themselves in one of the most difficult positions imaginable, but the way they met and the way they got into, on and out of the field, are a credit for them and for this football club. We really could not have asked for more boys, and I am extremely proud of everyone. ”
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Liverpool captain, Virgil Van Dijk, added: “With everything that happened, it was strange to have to try to continue with work, with football. We will never forget Diogo, of course, but we just have to try to honor his memory. This is what we are trying to do every day.
“It is very important that we honor and continue his inheritance, not only for the moment and in the coming months, but as long as possible, because this is what it deserves.”
