Liverpool defender Milos Kerkez has thrown his full support behind new head coach Andoni Iraola, insisting the Spaniard is the ideal man to lead the Reds into a new era.
Having already spent two successful seasons under Iraola at AFC Bournemouth, Kerkez knows exactly what Liverpool supporters can expect.
From an energetic playing style to uncompromising standards, the Hungary international believes the Basque coach’s philosophy is perfectly suited to life at Anfield.
The pair reunited this summer after Iraola was appointed Liverpool manager, following Kerkez’s move to Merseyside a year earlier.
For the left-back, it is a partnership that already has a proven foundation.
Speaking to Liverpool’s official website, Kerkez admitted he was thrilled when he learned Iraola would be taking charge.
“I’m really happy they’re here,” the Hungary international told Liverpoolfc.com.
“I think we had really great times together in Bournemouth and when I saw that he [Iraola] was coming, when I heard about it, I was obviously really happy. I know him, I spent two years with them in Bournemouth.
“They know me, I know them and I know that they can bring a lot to the club – especially Andoni with the playing style, with the energy and how he wants his team to play. I think it suits Liverpool and I think it’s going to be really exciting times ahead.”
Kerkez described Iraola as a manager who values honesty above everything else. According to the 22-year-old, players always know exactly where they stand.
“He’s a nice person, obviously. He is nice. He lets you know straightforward what he wants from you, then it’s up to you to do it.
“I mean, if you don’t do it, you’re not playing, simple as that. But he is good. Like I said, he lets you know what you need to do for him.
“He’s maybe not much of a talker, but he shows fully his emotions a lot, you can see on the sideline and everywhere that he’s really, really energetic.
“He is coming from Bilbao and you know their mentality is also like that, so like I say, I think he’s a really perfect boss for Liverpool and how he wants his team to play.
“We just have to make a good pre-season and obviously listen to him, listen to what he wants from us and I think the team is going to be in good shape.”
That demanding approach helped Kerkez produce the finest football of his career during his final campaign at Bournemouth, where he earned a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year and received a nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
The Hungarian believes Iraola’s attacking philosophy brings out the very best in his game.
“My first year when I came to Bournemouth, we always had the analysis, video analysis and everything. Him and the assistant Tommy [Elphick], Coops [Shaun Cooper] and Pablo [de la Torre], everyone helped me lot.
“Then when I got going, my second year was obviously a lot better. I got adapted more so it’s all, of course, thanks to him.
“He likes to play direct, high, front-foot, and I think that’s perfect also for me. So, I think not only me, I think a lot of players are going to like it. I think it’s going to be good.”
His comments suggest Liverpool supporters can expect a high-pressing, aggressive style built around intensity and quick transitions—qualities that have traditionally defined successful teams at Anfield.
Kerkez has also returned to pre-season full of motivation after what he openly described as a disappointing first campaign with Liverpool.
“I’m really happy to be back. I think vacation was a bit too long for me, to be honest!
“I missed training, I missed the ball, so I’m really happy to be here. I got a lot of time to see family and everyone, to enjoy some time [off]. But like I said, I was feeling like after three weeks probably that I need training back, football back, I need to be back in Liverpool.
“So, yes, I was training there and now it’s really good to see the players and everyone here with positive energy. We are focused and working towards the new season.”
Reflecting on last season, Kerkez made no attempt to hide his disappointment.
“It [last season] was tough. We had downs and ups sometimes, but I think it’s going to be important to know how we come this season and that we show that we are more ready.
“We are going to have to fight really more because obviously in Liverpool you have to play for things, you have to win things and last year it was, you can say unacceptable, that’s how it was and how it went.
“We have to make the club proud, we have to make the fans proud and hopefully we can do it this year.”
Despite his rapid development, Kerkez insists personal accolades remain secondary to Liverpool’s ambitions.
“I think I improved a lot [in my first season here].
“The time that I’m in England helped me a lot. It’s my fourth year now in the Premier League so definitely, even though I’m young, I feel a lot more experienced and [know] how things are going.
“[It is] my second year in Liverpool [and] the first year helped me a lot to get to know the club more, the fans and how things go around.
“I don’t like to talk too much about individual aims, it’s just that we’re playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world [and] it should always be [about] the team aim.
“I just want to perform the best to help the team win things, so I think if everyone has that mentality – do your best, 100 per cent, fight for the badge – then the team is going to be good.
“So, just focus 100 per cent to help each other win things. That’s the most important thing.”
With pre-season now underway and optimism returning to Anfield, Kerkez believes Liverpool have found the right leader in Iraola.
“If their successful Bournemouth partnership is anything to go by, the Reds could be preparing for a new chapter built on intensity, discipline and an unwavering desire to compete for major honours.
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