Liverpool postpone pre-season training following tragic death of Diogo Jota

Liverpool Football Club has postponed the start of their pre-season preparations after the sudden and tragic death of star forward Diogo Jota.

Jota, 27, died in a devastating car accident in northern Spain on Thursday, July 3. He was travelling with his brother, Andre Silva, who also perished in the crash. Silva played for Portuguese second-tier side Penafiel. Emergency services arrived at the scene shortly after midnight, but both men were pronounced dead.

The bodies of Jota and Silva were flown back to Portugal on Thursday evening. A wake was held in their hometown of Gondomar on the morning of Friday, July 4. Their funeral is scheduled for Saturday, July 5.

Club halts pre-season in mourning

Liverpool had initially planned to begin pre-season training at the AXA Training Centre on Friday, July 4, with additional players returning by Monday, July 7. However, the club has opted to delay the schedule to allow players and staff to process the devastating loss.

According to the Liverpool Echo, those expected at the £50 million Kirkby facility on Friday have been granted extra time off to grieve and come to terms with Jota’s passing.

As of now, the club has not confirmed when players will resume fitness testing, and discussions are ongoing regarding whether to proceed with their first scheduled pre-season friendly against Preston North End on July 13 at Deepdale.

International tour now in question

Liverpool are also set to embark on an overseas tour later this month, with fixtures lined up against AC Milan on July 26 at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park, and against Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan on July 30. However, with the current circumstances, it remains unclear whether these plans will proceed as scheduled.

Outpouring of grief and tributes

Since the announcement of Jota’s death, tributes have poured in from across the football world. Teammates have shared emotional posts on social media, while heartfelt statements were issued by head coach Arne Slot, sporting director Richard Hughes, football CEO Michael Edwards, and Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group.

Diogo Jota joined Liverpool in 2020 and quickly became a fan favorite for his tenacity, skill, and dedication. His sudden death leaves a profound void at Anfield and in the wider football community.