Arne Slot has revealed he's proud of the way Liverpool players have united following the tragic death of Diogo Jota.
The Portugal international and his brother, Andre Silva, were tragically killed in a car crash in Spain on July 3.
Liverpool have paid numerous tributes to the forward and his sibling in the time since, with Jota's No 20 shirt permanently retired.
They take to the field today against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield, in their first competitive fixture since the heartbreaking tragedy.
Arne Slot has revealed he's proud of the way Liverpool players have united following the tragic death of Diogo Jota
|GETTY/PA
And Slot, writing in his programme notes, has hailed the way his Liverpool players have been 'united' following Jota's death.
"Of course, this summer has been difficult for everyone connected with our club," said the Dutchman, who will be hoping to add another title to his collection following his side's Premier League triumph last term.
"The passing of Diogo Jota was a big impact on all of us and I think the way our group is united together and willing to share the pain that Diogo’s family, his friends and his loved ones are going through has been something I am proud of.
"The support they can feel and the love they have been shown has been so important.
JUST IN: Liverpool set to hold talks with Crystal Palace immediately after Community Shield clash
"The way the football community and, in particular, our own fans here at Liverpool, along with those at Anfield, the AXA Training Centre, Preston North End and on our recent tour of Hong Kong and Japan, we really felt what everyone was feeling and how together our fans are.
"Once again today, we take to the pitch, the strength and the courage of all my players here.
"They have found themselves in one of the toughest moments anyone could have and they have come together, and the way they have conducted themselves on and off the pitch, is a credit to them and to this club.
"We really couldn’t have asked more of the boys, and I am extremely proud of them all.
Diogo Jota helped Liverpool win the Premier League title last season before his tragic death at the age of 28 | PA"We will always carry Diogo with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go. You’ll Never Walk Alone."
Palace qualified for the Community Shield by winning the FA Cup last term.
And Slot is hopeful his side can beat the Eagles and continue their brilliant performances since his appointment as manager last year.
He said: "I want to start today’s notes by paying tribute to today’s opponents.
"They have enjoyed a very good coach with a clear idea of how to play and achieve what they achieved last season, winning the Emirates FA Cup here against Manchester City was really impressive. They deserve a lot of credit for that.
"For us, this is the time to complete our preparations for the new season.
"As a head coach, you want three things at this time of year; to get some good work in on the training ground, competitive and challenging games and to steer clear of injuries.
"We have had all of those, and despite one or two small issues along the way, we feel like we are in a good place approaching the new campaign.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Arne Slot wants Liverpool players 'to maintain the standards' set during his first 12 months at the club
| GETTY"We know, of course, what we achieved last season, and it is important from our point of view that we maintain the standards we set during the past 12 months.
"Everything starts with hard work and commitment, and hopefully today, in front of our amazing supporters, we can show that we are ready for another big season."