Former Liverpool player Glen Johnson has told Milos Kerkez it's 'crunch time' ahead of the 2026/27 season, with the left-back needing to impress
Liverpool defender Milos Kerkez has been told that the 2026/27 season is 'crunch time'
Liverpool defender Milos Kerkez has been told that the 2026/27 season is 'crunch time'(Image: Getty)
Liverpool star Milos Kerkez has been told it’s “crunch time” this season, with the left-back needing to “prove the doubters wrong.”
Kerkez, 22, joined the Reds last summer from Bournemouth for a reported $54 million after impressing on the South Coast. The Hungarian international made the trip north to Anfield having played under new Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola since 2023.
However, despite initial excitement, Kerkez struggled to reach the lofty expectations set for his first season with Liverpool, as then-manager Arne Slot’s team looked to stage a Premier League title defense. Kerkez’s attacking threat was less pronounced; however, that was a universal experience across the roster. Iraola has since made a move to give Kerkez more freedom.
Kerkez will now enter his second season at Anfield and back under the management of Iraola, the manager whose guidance helped aid his transfer to Liverpool. Former Reds right-back, Glen Johnson, has described the 2026/27 season as “crunch time” for Kerkez, and a campaign in which he will need to “prove the doubters wrong.”
“I think this season is crunch time for Milos Kerkez. It’s time for him to prove the doubters wrong. He was great at Bournemouth and struggled for Liverpool last season,” Johnson told SeatPin.
“He did show glimpses at times, but he needs to put in top performances much more consistently.
“I think Iraola coming into Liverpool will help him out a lot. Iraola knows his strengths and how to get the best out of him, so I fully expect him to improve tenfold this season. If he doesn’t, then I’m not sure he has any excuses left, he must improve this year.”
Kerkez is now Liverpool's undisputed No. 1 left-back
Kerkez is now Liverpool's undisputed No. 1 left-back(Image: Getty)
Kerkez is expected to be given greater freedom under Iraola, a move that is popular with the player.
Iraola was hired to bring back an aggressive style that was popular under the legendary rock-and-roll coach Jurgen Klopp.
“Everyone hopes so (that Iraola can deliver special times),” Kerkez told the Liverpool Echo when asked how Iraola had changed things. “I mean, it's a big difference, obviously.
“We play really aggressive. We need to run a lot more. It is good. It is tough, but if you want to compete at the top, you need to do that in the Champions League, the Premier League.
“You can see I have more freedom to fly up and down. I'm really running more, with more freedom, putting more balls into boxes.
"The manager gave me confidence when I was in Bournemouth. We all have to do what he tells us to do. Play aggressive, front-foot, so we need to continue.”
Liverpool opens its Premier League campaign on Sunday with a trip to St. James’ Park to take on Newcastle.