Tributes to Diogo Jota and Debuts for Frimpong, Kerkez, Mamardashvili
Liverpool began their 2025–26 preseason with a heartfelt 3–1 victory over Preston North End at Deepdale Stadium. The match was marked by emotional tributes to Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away earlier this month, and debuts for new signings Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Honoring Diogo Jota
Before kickoff, players and fans observed a minute of silence. Preston captain Ben Whiteman laid a wreath in front of Liverpool supporters, and multiple renditions of Jota’s chant echoed through the stadium. Liverpool also announced the retirement of Jota’s No. 20 shirt across all club levels.
“He was a champion for his family, his country, and for us,” said manager Arne Slot.
Match Summary: Preston 1–3 Liverpool
| Scorer | Minute | Description |
| Conor Bradley | 33′ | Finished Szoboszlai’s deflected effort at the back post |
| Darwin Núñez | 53′ | Capitalized on a poor backpass, rounded the keeper, and scored |
| Liam Lindsay | 83′ | Powerful header from a corner for Preston |
| Cody Gakpo | 88′ | Finished Doak’s low cross after a clever dummy by Núñez |
Despite 65% possession, Liverpool’s goals came from clinical transitions and pressing, while Preston showed resilience and created late pressure.
Debut Watch: Frimpong, Kerkez, Mamardashvili
- 🧤 Giorgi Mamardashvili started in goal and looked composed in his first outing.
- 🛡️ Jeremie Frimpong impressed with aggressive dribbling and overlapping runs.
- 🛡️ Milos Kerkez added width and energy on the left flank.
All three players were part of Arne Slot’s rotated second-half XI, showcasing Liverpool’s depth and tactical flexibility.
Match Stats
| Category | Liverpool | Preston |
| Possession | 65% | 35% |
| Shots | 15 | 9 |
| Shots on Target | 6 | 2 |
| Corners | 3 | 7 |
| Fouls | 10 | 6 |
Final Thoughts
Liverpool’s 3–1 win over Preston was more than a preseason fixture—it was a tribute to a fallen teammate, a showcase of new talent, and a signal of intent for the season ahead. With Moh Salah, Núñez, and Gakpo leading the charge and new signings settling in, the Reds look emotionally united and tactically sharp.
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