Frimpong and Kerkez make their debuts, Gakpo scores: Liverpool wins emotional friendly match

Liverpool began their pre-season campaign on Sunday with a 1-3 victory away against Preston North End, marking an emotional and significant evening for the club and its supporters.

This was Liverpool’s first (unofficial) match since the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, an event that deeply affected the entire squad, staff, and fanbase. The atmosphere at Deepdale reflected the collective sense of loss, respect, and remembrance. The match began with the traditional "You'll Never Walk Alone," sung with extra emotion and solidarity, followed by a heartfelt minute of silence in honor of Jota.

The tributes did not stop there. In the 20th minute, a spontaneous and touching gesture emerged from the stands, as the supporters broke into the familiar chant of Jota's name, referencing his Liverpool squad number. It was a raw and genuine moment that highlighted how much the Portuguese forward meant to the club and its fans. This emotional undercurrent ran through the entire evening, giving the match a weight far beyond a typical pre-season fixture.

On the pitch, manager Arne Slot who had spoken with sincerity and grace about Jota in the build-up to the match took charge of his first game since taking over from Jürgen Klopp. Slot named a starting lineup that included Ryan Gravenberch, handing the midfielder a chance to impress early in pre-season. Notably absent was club captain Virgil van Dijk, who was given additional time off and did not feature in the squad for this encounter.

The first half was evenly contested, with Liverpool seeking to build rhythm and match fitness. The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute when Conor Bradley scored at the far post, capitalizing on a well-worked move to give the Reds a deserved 0-1 lead. Bradley, who continues to impress with his energy and composure, looks set to play a more significant role under Slot this season.

At halftime, the Dutch coach made several changes, introducing Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, both of whom made their unofficial debuts for the club. The duo immediately provided fresh dynamism on the flanks, showcasing the pace and intensity that have become trademarks of modern Liverpool full-backs. Cody Gakpo also entered the fray, adding further attacking threat.

Early in the second half, Liverpool doubled their lead. Preston gifted the Reds a chance with a poor back pass, which Darwin Núñez seized upon with characteristic sharpness. The Uruguayan striker made it 0-2 with a confident finish and chose to honor Diogo Jota by celebrating in a manner reminiscent of his late teammate a gesture that did not go unnoticed by fans and teammates alike.

Preston, to their credit, continued to fight and managed to pull a goal back through defender Liam Lindsay, who headed home from a corner to make it 1-2. It was a well-taken goal that briefly gave the home side hope, but Liverpool's superior quality soon reasserted itself.

The final goal of the evening came just minutes before full-time. It was a well-crafted move down the right wing, with young winger Ben Doak delivering a superb assist after beating his marker. Darwin Núñez cleverly stepped over the ball, allowing Cody Gakpo to arrive in the box and slot home to make it 1-3. Gakpo's composure and finishing highlighted the depth of talent in Liverpool's squad, even in a match laden with substitutions and experimentation.

Beyond the result, the match served as a vital step in Liverpool's preparations for the new season under their new manager. It was also a reminder of the emotional strength and unity within the squad, as they continue to cope with the loss of a beloved teammate.

Looking ahead, Liverpool’s pre-season schedule remains packed with high-profile friendlies. In two weeks, they travel to Hong Kong to face AC Milan, offering another stern test. Shortly after, they will play Yokohama F. Marinos from Japan. Then, in early August, the Reds will return to Anfield for a unique evening in which they will play two friendly matches back-to-back against Athletic Bilbao, giving fans a final chance to see the team before the competitive season begins.

For Arne Slot, these matches represent crucial opportunities to instill his philosophy, test new signings, and assess the fitness levels of his squad. For the players and supporters, however, the pre-season carries an additional layer of meaning honoring the memory of Diogo Jota and moving forward with his legacy in their hearts.