Liverpool Football Club’s upcoming friendly match against Preston North End is set to proceed as scheduled this weekend, following productive discussions between the two competing teams. The match has generated significant attention, particularly in light of recent events surrounding Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a car accident last Thursday along with his younger brother.

The decision for the match to go ahead was confirmed after consultation with Liverpool’s coaching staff and players, according to the Lancashire Evening Post, a regional publication that focuses on Preston's sporting events. The friendly is slated to kick off at 3:00 PM BST and will be broadcast live on ITV1 in the United Kingdom, with coverage expected to begin at 2:50 PM. Given the circumstances, there is a strong possibility that the broadcast start time could be adjusted to allow for a proper pre-match tribute to Jota.

After undergoing lung surgery earlier in the summer, Jota had been advised against flying back to Liverpool, leading him to choose a road trip to prepare for the start of pre-season training. However, the journey took a devastating turn when the vehicle he was traveling in suffered a tire blowout, resulting in a fatal crash. Spanish authorities have stated that Jota was likely the one driving the vehicle at the time of the accident. An official report regarding the crash is still pending, with the Spanish Civil Guard indicating that investigators are looking into the tire marks and potential speeding violations that may have contributed to the tragic incident.

In response to the heartbreaking news, Liverpool's players were given a day off to mourn and attend Jota’s funeral, which took place in Gondomar, located just outside Porto, on Saturday, July 5. Several team members, including prominent players like Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, were seen arriving at the training ground on Tuesday to begin their pre-season preparations. Furthermore, new manager Arne Slot was also in attendance at the funeral, reflecting the close-knit nature of the Liverpool squad.

Later that day, Slot, Robertson, and the club's CEO of football, Michael Edwards, visited Anfield to pay their respects at the memorial erected for Jota outside the stadium. Robertson laid a heartfelt message alongside a bouquet of flowers, expressing sorrow and gratitude for the time they shared. His note read: “Our hearts are broken. But feeling very grateful for the memories you gave us all. I will miss you. Love you, brother. Robbo.”

Slot, who shared a special bond with Jota, also paid tribute by placing flowers and a personal card at the memorial, stating, “Diogo, we had the same dream and we fulfilled it together. Andre and yourself will always be in our hearts.” Edwards added his condolences with a message that highlighted Jota’s character and contributions to the team, stating, “With love and remembrance. In honour of Diogo Jota - down to earth, determined, a great finisher, and above all, loved and respected by all who knew him.” The entire Liverpool community continues to honor Jota’s legacy, remembering him not just as a player, but as a cherished friend and teammate.