Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

How on earth do Liverpool’s players get themselves up for a game after the events of the last 11 days?

That is the almost impossible question that may have been playing on Arne Slot’s mind ever since his squad decided to go ahead with today’s friendly against Preston, so soon after they had to bid the most painful of farewells to Diogo Jota.

It will be a hugely emotional day at Deepdale, with tributes planned for Liverpool’s No.20 and his brother, Andre Silva, ahead of kick-off.



As Mohamed Salah said in his tribute to Jota, players come and go, but not like this.

No one got the chance to say goodbye to Jota, and now they have to face up to playing on without him, starting with a game with absolutely nothing riding on it other than a chance to build up fitness.

Never has a game felt more insignificant.

Arne Slot and Liverpool's players look at tributes left to Diogo Jota outside Anfield.

Liverpool’s players will have to dig deep to find some strength, and they could not have seen a better example of that than on Friday.

Jota’s wife Rute and his family displayed unbelievable courage as they accompanied the Reds’ players and staff to Anfield

The work that you have put in has been absolutely outstanding.”

It will of course be a different kind of fight, but just by choosing to go ahead with today’s game, Liverpool’s players have already demonstrated they’re ready for it.

Getting back onto the pitch could be just what is needed for them - something of a distraction at such a difficult time

Liverpool’s players have carried themselves with great dignity over the past week or so, and no doubt they will do themselves proud once again as they take their first step without their No.20.