Liverpool defender Milos Kerkez has outlined the major change supporters will see under Andoni Iraola, as the new head coach guides the Reds to a pre-season win
06:00, 26 Jul 2026
Liverpool defender Milos Kerkez (6) during a friendly match between Liverpool and Sunderland
Milos Kerkez told Liverpool fans what they can expect from the team under Andoni Iraola(Image: Getty Images)
Milos Kerkez has offered Liverpool supporters an insight into what they can expect from Andoni Iraola’s reign, revealing the major difference the new head coach is expected to bring to Anfield.
Iraola’s first match in charge saw Liverpool face fellow Premier League side Sunderland, with the Reds’ line-up looking very different from the one expected to start the season opener at Newcastle United.
A youthful Liverpool side impressed early on, with Kieran Morrison opening the scoring in the 13th minute after a flowing team move. However, captain Joe Gomez was forced off shortly before the goal with an injury concern, before Enzo Le Fée leveled for Sunderland with a stunning strike.
The Black Cats took the lead through Timur Tutierov after half-time, but Dominik Szoboszlai quickly restored parity with a powerful effort from distance. Federico Chiesa then put Liverpool ahead in the 72nd minute, before Lewis Koumas completed the scoring with another well-worked team goal late on.
This offered the first insight into the tactical ideas Iraola and his coaching staff have been developing behind the scenes since taking charge at Liverpool.
Having previously worked under Iraola at Bournemouth, Kerkez is well placed to explain the Spaniard’s methods and believes supporters will notice a clear change in style at Anfield.
He told LFCTV: “We’re working really hard this pre-season. You can see in the training sessions, everyone is happy. We’re going to be the heavy Liverpool team that Liverpool used to be.
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"Press, front-foot, pressing, and Anfield is going to push us a lot. When they see us pushing a lot, we’re going to have big support, home and away. I think the big difference in our game this year will be the pressing.”
Iraola has quickly gotten the players onside, with Gomez saying the Reds players are excited about working with the Spaniard.
"He seems like a really nice guy," Gomez told club media when he was asked about the early days of Iraola.
"It's obviously massively impressive what he did at Bournemouth and how he got them to perform. I think we're all looking forward to it and we're all excited to have him. We're all hungry and excited to go.
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Szoboszlai, who committed his future to Liverpool by signing a new contract until 2031 earlier this week, has also shared his positive impressions of Iraola and his methods since his arrival.
"He always competed with us with the most fit team in the Premier League. With the intensity and how he wants to play and the knowledge that he has, I think he's an unbelievable coach. I'm looking forward to playing under him.
"I want to set the example. I want to be an example also for everyone, as much as I can. When I signed, I said I wanted to win everything. That didn't change for a little moment either. It stayed the same: I want to win everything that is possible in this country, also let's say the Champions League. I'm ready to go for it."