Milos Kerkez believes Andoni Iraola can restore Liverpool’s fortunes after describing last season as “unacceptable”, provided the players fully embrace the new head coach’s demands.
Iraola was appointed last month following the dismissal of Arne Slot, who was sacked after Liverpool’s disappointing Premier League title defence, with Champions League qualification only secured on the final day of the campaign.
The Spaniard arrived from Bournemouth alongside several trusted members of his backroom staff, including first-team coaches Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper, and assistant coach Pablo de la Torre.
Kerkez knows Iraola’s methods better than most, having spent two seasons under him at Bournemouth before completing a £40million move to Liverpool last summer.
Speaking to liverpoolfc.com, the Hungary international said: “We had really great times together in Bournemouth and when I saw that he (Iraola) was coming I was obviously really happy.
“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. He helped me a lot to improve.”
Milos Kerkez added: “My first year when I came to Bournemouth, we always had the analysis, video analysis and everything. Him and the assistant Tommy, Coops and Pablo, everyone helped me lot.
“Then when I got going, my second year was 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.”
The Reds returned to the AXA Training Centre on Tuesday for the start of pre-season, with Iraola welcoming the bulk of his squad before they depart next week for a two-week tour of the United States.
Having worked closely with the 44-year-old, Kerkez has now revealed what Liverpool’s players can expect under their new head coach as they prepare for the 2026/27 campaign.
“He’s a nice person,” said the left-back. “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.
“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 comes from Bilbao and you know their mentality is also like that, 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.”
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