Liverpool’s first pre-season outing on July 13, 2025, was a day steeped in emotion and fresh beginnings as the Reds faced Preston North End at Deepdale. This match marked Liverpool’s return to the pitch following the tragic loss of forward Diogo Jota and his brother in a car accident on July 3. Fans were vocal and heartfelt throughout the game, paying tribute to Jota’s memory while embracing the spirit of football as a means of healing.
Despite the somber backdrop, the day also showcased a glimpse of Liverpool’s future with several new signings making their debuts. Among them was goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who started the match and was the only one of six summer arrivals to be named in the starting lineup. Joining him on the bench were fellow newcomers Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Freddie Woodman, and Armin Pecsi, all sporting temporary squad numbers pending official confirmation later in the summer. Mamardashvili wore number 56, Woodman 55, Kerkez 57, Wirtz 58, Frimpong 59, and Pecsi 60.
The absence of club-record signing Florian Wirtz was notable, as the £116 million acquisition from Bayer Leverkusen was left out of the squad along with key veterans such as captain Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Alexis Mac Allister, and Luis Diaz. Liverpool manager Arne Slot opted for caution, with some senior players undergoing individual training back at Kirkby amid disrupted pre-season preparations. Stefan Bajcetic was sidelined due to injury, while Harvey Elliott and Tyler Morton were on extended breaks after their roles in England’s UEFA European Under-21 Championship triumph.
Mohamed Salah led Liverpool’s starting XI in a 4-2-3-1 formation, flanked by promising youngsters and new signings. Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai anchored the midfield, while Federico Chiesa spearheaded the attack supported by teenage talents Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha on the left flank and as the number 10, respectively. The defense featured Conor Bradley at right-back, Kostas Tsimikas on the left, with Joe Gomez partnered by youth prospect Luca Stephenson at center-back. Mamardashvili guarded the goal in his first appearance for the Reds.
Fans and pundits alike were particularly curious about how Slot would integrate Florian Wirtz into the squad once he begins playing. Wirtz, known for his attacking midfield prowess, faces competition from established playmaker Dominik Szoboszlai, making his role in the team a subject of intrigue. Sunday’s match offered the first real insight into the tactical framework Slot is building, even if Wirtz himself did not take to the field.
The day also provided opportunities for Liverpool’s academy prospects to step into the spotlight. Players like Trey Nyoni, James McConnell, and Ben Doak featured, reflecting Slot’s confidence in their potential. While the full squad was nearly available, the inclusion of youth players signaled a willingness to blend experience with emerging talent as Liverpool embarks on its Premier League title defense.
Tributes to Diogo Jota were a poignant part of the occasion, with fans and players honoring his memory before and during the match. The atmosphere at Deepdale was a powerful mix of grief and hope, as the Liverpool community united in mourning while looking forward to a new chapter. The emotional weight of the day was palpable but underscored by a shared determination to move forward together.
This pre-season friendly, streamed live on All Red Video and LFCTV, was more than just a warm-up game. It was a testament to Liverpool’s resilience and readiness to face the challenges ahead. The temporary squad numbers worn by new signings added a layer of anticipation, symbolizing fresh starts and the club’s ambitious plans for the 2025-26 campaign.
While the final score and detailed match events remain secondary to the emotional significance of the day, Liverpool’s lineup and debut performances offered plenty to analyze. The blend of seasoned stars like Salah and Gravenberch with promising newcomers and youth players set the tone for a season filled with both remembrance and renewal.
As Liverpool steps into its first pre-season match since the tragedy, the club and its supporters are united in honoring Diogo Jota’s legacy. At the same time, they are eager to witness how Arne Slot’s vision unfolds on the pitch, particularly the integration of high-profile signings and the nurturing of young talent. The journey toward the Premier League title defense has begun, marked by a profound mix of sorrow, hope, and determination.
