Liverpool will begin the defence of their Premier League title tonight against Bournemouth in what promises to be an emotional evening at Anfield, with the family of Diogo Jota set to be present for a special tribute.
The match marks the Reds’ first league game since the tragic death of Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, in a road traffic accident in July.
Ahead of kick-off, tributes will be paid to the pair, with Jota’s wife, children and wider family expected to be in attendance.
Manager, Arne Slot, acknowledged the poignant occasion in his pre-match programme notes, a Friday club statement noted.
“We know that this will be a very emotional occasion, given it is the first league game we have played since we lost Diogo and Andre.
“As I have said previously, the tributes that have been paid throughout the football world, and especially within the LFC community, have been truly special, and I know that tonight, we will come together to honour them once more.
“I believe that Diogo’s wife, his children and his family will be in attendance and it is important that, as a club, we show that they will always have our love and support as they deal with this most tragic of situations. We are there for them always,” he wrote.
Liverpool won’t underestimate visitors
Slot also reflected on the footballing challenge ahead, with Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth arriving at Anfield for the 8pm BST kick-off.
“In a football sense, we are, of course, glad to be back here for a competitive game.
“It has been a while, of course, but there is nothing like Anfield under the lights and we are all looking forward to getting our campaign under way this evening,” he said.
The Liverpool boss warned against underestimating the visitors.
He added, “I expect similar from Bournemouth, who finished ninth in the table last year and who have a lot of very good players and, in Andoni Iraola, a very good manager too. We welcome them to our home, of course.”
Reflecting on pre-season performances, Slot said his side had shown encouraging signs in attack but needed to tighten up defensively.
The boss added. “We are better in creating and getting promising situations than we were, in my opinion, throughout the whole of last season.
“In a defensive sense we can get better. What made us really strong last season was we won often by a margin of one goal, and that had mostly to do with us keeping a clean sheet or as a maximum conceding one goal. That is something we would like to continue this season.”
He also praised new signings Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez for their early contributions.
Slot ended by calling on the Anfield crowd to play their part.
“I am looking forward to seeing and hearing you all in full voice again. Your support is never taken for granted, and it will be crucial for us once more as we look to defend our Premier League title,” he concluded.
‘Forever 20’ Shirt Unveiled
Meanwhile, Liverpool FC has launched a commemorative T-shirt in memory of Diogo Jota, with all profits going to the LFC Foundation to support a grassroots football programme in his name.
The tribute design features “a poignant image of Jota making a celebratory heart gesture with his hands, lyrics from his fan song and ‘Forever 20’.”
The club said, “After consultation with Diogo’s family, it has retired the number 20 shirt in his honour and memory across all levels of the club, including LFC Women and the Academy.”
Supporters can also have ‘Diogo J. 20’ printed on the back of their shirts, with all profits from printing going towards the same grassroots initiative.
