Heckingbottom reflects on pride after tribute match with Liverpool
Preston show dignity in powerful Anfield tribute
Football has a way of bringing people together in moments of unimaginable loss. That was evident at Deepdale, where Paul Heckingbottom's Preston North End helped Liverpool honour the memory of Diogo Jota in the Reds' first pre-season fixture of the summer.
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Jota, alongside his brother Andre Silva, tragically lost his life in a car accident in Spain just ten days before the match. There had been discussions between the two clubs about cancelling the fixture, but both sides agreed that the game should go ahead, serving as a tribute rather than just a contest.
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What followed was more than a football match. A sombre yet stirring occasion, marked by a live rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' and a wreath-laying ceremony, gave way to a 3-1 win for Liverpool. But the scoreline was never the point.
Heckingbottom reflects on emotional occasion
'I'll never forget the morning we saw the news,' Heckingbottom said. 'The whole training ground stopped. When you see news like that, it puts everything in perspective. It is a reminder to everyone of how fragile life is.'
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The Preston manager was acutely aware of the significance of the occasion. His players and staff, like their Liverpool counterparts, carried the weight of something greater than football.
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'We knew the eyes of the world were on us, the eyes of football were on us,' he said. 'We wanted to represent ourselves and the wider football world in the correct way and pay our respects in the correct manner. I hope we were able to do that, and that that came across to everyone affected.'
Match spirit honours a fallen rival
The match, played with energy and commitment, became a statement of unity and respect. Heckingbottom was clear in his hope that the game offered Liverpool some solace.
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'I hope this has begun their healing process,' he said. 'I hope they feel better for having that game. It is a step closer to where they needed to get themselves to without a doubt, but I am proud of everyone, the way we showed our respect.'
Football played with purpose
'And believe me, Diogo, being against him a few times, was that type of player as well,' Heckingbottom added. 'The game was played in the right way for him, for everyone involved.'
It was football with heart, played in the true spirit of the game. In difficult times, Heckingbottom and Preston stood tall.
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