Liverpool’s Pre-Season Opener Marked by Emotion and ExpectationLiverpool’s return to the pitch for their first pre-season fixture comes under a cloud of emotion and transition, as they face

Liverpool handed £29million new boy Girogi Mamardashvili his debut against Championship club Preston North End, with the giant goalkeeper the only one of six new arrivals to start the game at Deepdale,

This was the Lilywhites’ second run out of pre-season while the Reds were in action for the first time. The first 30 minutes had an even feel to them but it was Arne Slot’s side who hit the front on 33 minutes,

Florian Wirtz, the club record £116million signing from Bayer Leverkusen, is among several players not included, along with skipper Virgil van Dijk, defender Ibrahima Konate, midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and winger Luis Diaz.

Liverpool return to action this Sunday when they visit Preston North End for their first pre-season fixture. It promises to be an emotional day, the team’s first outing since the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The club will continue to honour Jota’s memory at Deepdale, with players, staff and supporters united in tribute.