Milos Kerkez has revealed how his role at Liverpool has changed following the arrival of Andoni Iraola
Milos Kerkez in action for Liverpool during a preseason friendly
Milos Kerkez in action for Liverpool during a preseason friendly(Image: Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Liverpool defender Milos Kerkez has shared the change new head coach Andoni Iraola has made to his position as preseason draws to a close.
The Reds rounded off their preparations for the upcoming campaign with a 2-0 win over Italian side Como on Sunday evening. Kerkez played the full 90 minutes in what was an improved team performance following recent results against Monaco and Leeds United.
Iraola is now gearing up for his first competitive fixture as Liverpool head coach, with the club's opening Premier League game against Newcastle United set to take place this weekend. The Reds will then face Nottingham Forest a week later in their first home match of the season.
The Spaniard replaced former head coach Arne Slot earlier this summer after the club opted to part ways with the Dutchman following a disappointing campaign. Kerkez, in particular, was already familiar with Iraola, having worked with him at Bournemouth prior to his move to Liverpool last summer.
In an interview with the club website in the aftermath of Liverpool's victory over Como, the left back revealed the key changes Iraola has made to his role and position throughout preseason. "You can see I have more freedom to fly up and down," Kerkez explained.
"I’m really running more, with more freedom, putting more balls into the box. So, the manager gave me confidence when I was in Bournemouth… [and] we all have to do what he tells us to do: play aggressive, front-foot, so we need to continue."
That familiarity with Iraola's methods has certainly been a benefit for Kerkez in recent months. In earlier interviews this summer, the Hungarian explained how he mentored some of the younger academy players in the squad to help them adapt to Iraola's way of playing.
Andoni Iraola head coach of Liverpool shakes hands with Milos Kerkez #6 at the end of of the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC
Milos Kerkez has discussed Andoni Iraola's appointment as Liverpool manager(Image: (Photo by Bill Barrett/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images))
Kerkez remains Liverpool's first-choice left back following the exit of Andy Robertson as a free agent. Kostas Tsimikas returned from his loan at Roma to provide strength in depth, while Joe Gomez can also play there when fit.
Liverpool will hope to see an improvement on last season, in which it finished fifth in the Premier League and scraped Champions League qualification. Much, however, will depend on the club's transfer business between now and the end of the window on September 1.
So far, only Victor Munoz has been signed on a permanent basis after his release clause at Osasuna was triggered by Liverpool. Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has also been brought in to provide some much-needed center back depth, albeit only on a loan deal.
Jeremy Jacquet also completed his move, although a deal to sign him was agreed with Rennes back in January. Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye are the two players who continue to be linked with moves to Anfield before the deadline.