Liverpool set new pre-season date after Jota’s tragic death

Liverpool players will now resume pre-season training on Tuesday, July 8, following the heartbreaking death of forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car crash.

The Reds had initially planned to kick off preparations for the 2025/2026 season last Friday, with a second group of players expected on Monday. But the plans were suspended as the club came to terms with the shocking news.

Reports from the Liverpool Echo confirm that head coach Arne Slot has fixed Tuesday as the new return date, giving the team more time to grieve the double tragedy.

The club is also reconsidering its participation in the scheduled friendly match against Preston North End, set for Sunday, July 13 at Deepdale. A final decision will be made after talks with the squad when they regroup in training.

Several Liverpool stars, including Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, and Alexis Mac Allister, travelled to Portugal over the weekend to attend Jota and Silva’s funeral in Gondomar. Former players like Jordan Henderson and James Milner were also present.

The funeral came just days after Jota’s wedding, with emotional scenes as his widow, Rute, held onto his coffin in tears.

Liverpool’s pre-season will begin at the AXA Training Centre in Kirkby. The club, staff, and supporters continue to mourn the loss of one of their own. Preston, meanwhile, are expected to honour Jota if the friendly goes ahead.