Milos Kerkez previewed Liverpool's Champions League clash with Marseille at the pre-match press conference at the Orange Velodrome
Liverpool Milos Kerkez speaks during a press conference at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille
Liverpool Milos Kerkez speaks during a press conference at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille(Image: AFP)
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Milos Kerkez has insisted he is still not satisfied with his performances for Liverpool but finding form in recent weeks. The Hungary international endured a slow start to his Reds career following his £40m form from AFC Bournemouth.
But with Arne Slot’s side embarking on a 12-game unbeaten run since the end of November, the left-back has looked much-improved and cemented his status as Liverpool’s first-choice left-back ahead of Andy Robertson.
However, having seen his performances for Bournemouth last season earn him both his move to Anfield and a place in the PFA Premier League Players’ Team of the Year, the 22-year-old is not resting on his laurels and is determined to continue improving.
“I feel when I came here, I think every player needs time to adapt because you come to one of the biggest clubs in the world,” Kerkez said. “I got help from everyone, from the boss, the players, the staff, from everyone.
“I think in the last month or so I have improved in a lot of areas, but I am still not satisfied. I want more and everyone will help me to do it.
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“(I’ve learned) a lot (from Robertson). We talked a few times. Robbo is a legend here at the club, a big player, did a lot of stuff for the club, won trophies.
“For me it is a privilege to be next to such a player. I am just taking it in, I’m learning, listening always. I just want to improve.”
Meanwhile, Kerkez dismissed concerns about his connection with Cody Gakpo on the left-flank.
The Hungarian had previously partly put his improved form down to a good link-up with Florian Wirtz when the German was tasked with lining up on the left in the absence of the injured Dutchman.
“I would say, no it is not really a problem,” Kerkez insisted. “I think I play well with Cody. I would not call it a problem.
“It is my job to give a winger the ball, to make space, to run, to overlap, to underlap, to do everything that I can to open space for him to go in.
“I then create space for a striker, then it is his decision what he is going to do. We don’t have any problem.
“We talk always in training, we do the combinations, there is no real problem."
Liverpool could cement their place in the Champions League knockouts play-off round with a point against Marseille on Wednesday night, and come into the game off the back of a 12-game unbeaten run.
But having drawn six of those matches, Kerkez admits he understands frustration from the Reds’ fanbase - with supporters booing after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Burnley - as he revealed his determination to help Liverpool finish in the Champions League top eight and qualify directly for the round-of-16.
“Obviously I understand the fans' frustration,” he said. “They have freedom of speech and we are disappointed also.
“What I posted (on social media) is that we should all stay together in the moments when it doesn't go so well with the results.
“I understand that fans pay for tickets, travel to follow and support us and we want to win games.
“We take that responsibility as Liverpool players. We want to win tomorrow for all the fans who come to support us, we want to give them a good moment.
“We want to finish in the top eight and go through to the last 16. We know we have to win two tough games for that, so tomorrow's game will be tough.
“Marseille are a really good side. It will be a tough 90 mins but we hope to get it over the line.”