Back to Training, with Heavy Hearts…
Whistles will blow and boots will clatter as the Liverpool brigade musters at the AXA Training Center to kick off prep for the 2025-26 season. But this time, the sound of the beautiful game will mix with echoes of heartbreak, like a football bouncing on a trampoline of sorrow. Diogo Jota’s recent tragic passing casts a shadow longer than Van Dijk’s legs, as the Kop grapples with the loss of their beloved forward.
Last week’s devastating road accident in Spain sent shockwaves throughout the footie universe. Like losing a candy-coated scouse in a bowl of bland porridge, it was a bitter pill for fans, players, and officials alike. A mural is set to honor Jota’s legacy, while ex-Reds defender struggles to find the words. As the pre-season fixture against Preston looms, the team is in discussion about possibly taking a rain check on the game—or maybe just pulling a Maradona before putting boots to ball.
On the red carpet of pre-season friendlies, the Reds face Preston North End, then hop continents faster than a caffeinated kangaroo, heading to Hong Kong versus AC Milan, then to Japan, and finally, back home against Athletic Club. Each match will play on with hearts as heavy as a bag full of defender’s shin guards, hoping to honor Jota with every kick, pass, and goal. The beautiful game must go on, even when the skies are weepy with rain.
