There was not a dry eye in the ground, nor an arm without goosebumps, as Claudia Rose Maguire serenaded the 22,189 in attendance with an emotional rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ - a tear-jerker at the best of times, but even more so given the circumstances of the day.

Liverpool’s return to the pitch for their first pre-season fixture comes under a cloud of emotion and transition, as they face Preston at Deepdale this Sunday. The match, Liverpool’s first since the sudden passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, will be a poignant occasion both on and off the field.

Liverpool got it's pre-season underway with a comfortable win over Preston, although there are still questions for Arne Slot to answer during the remainder of the summer

Liverpool kicked off their preseason slate of action without a bevy of their high profile players, including Virgil van Dijk and Florian Wirtz. With the late and disjointed start to training after the death of Diogo Jota,

Liverpool pay emotional tribute to Diogo Jota at Preston friendly - Liverpool have been in mourning since the news of Jota’s death came early on the morning of July 3.

Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is ready to embrace the “challenge” of competing with established No. 1 Alisson Becker. Mamardashvili has completed his pre-arranged transfer from Valencia and made an unofficial debut during Liverpool’s first friendly of the summer against Preston North End over the weekend.

Tributes for Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva dominated proceedings as Liverpool and Preston players, staff and supporters paid their respects.

Liverpool face Preston North End at Deepdale in their first match since the death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva