Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has spoken out about one of his players as a clash with former side Bournemouth beckons
Andoni Iraola manager of Liverpool applauds the fans after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Liverpool FC and Fulham at Anfield
Andoni Iraola's Liverpool are all set to face Bournemouth in the Premier League(Image: Getty)
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Liverpool face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon as manager Andoni Iraola returns to his old stomping ground.
Under Iraola, Liverpool have enjoyed a mixed bag of results to begin this campaign. Away from the English top-flight, they're safely into the next round of the Carabao Cup after a 3-1 victory against Tottenham and they won their Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid 2-1.
But in the league, they have won just a single game from four, beating Ipswich Town 2-0 but drawing to Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Fulham. In these matches, left-back Milos Kerkez has caught some flak.
Former Reds striker Michael Owen has reached a verdict and manager Iraola has discussed another of his players under fire, Florian Wirtz. The ECHObrings you up to date with the latest from Anfield.
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Michael Owen's admission
Former Reds striker Michael Owen feels Hungarian full-back Kerkez appears somewhat adrift within Iraola's setup, having struggled at times this season.
TNT Sports pundit Michael Owen during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool
Owen is worried about Kerkez(Image: Getty)
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"The full-back position is a real problem for Liverpool and it pains me to say that," Owen told TeamTalk. "A handful of years ago they had the best full-backs in the world.
"Trent and Robbo, it was just unbelievable, the numbers they were posting and how well they were playing. It was a really strong position and all of a sudden it has been ripped up.
"It is a real problem. Milos Kerkez has struggled since being there. He looks nervous and lost in the red shirt and the shirt looks heavy on him."
Andoni Iraola makes Florian Wirtz claim
Speaking before the journey to Bournemouth, Iraola was also questioned about Wirtz, who has faced substantial scrutiny this season and has contributed just one assist in five fixtures so far.
Alexander Isak (C) and Florian Wirtz of Liverpool look on next to manager Andoni Iraola during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco
Iraola has Wirtz's back(Image: Getty)
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The head coach remained resolute and supported his No. 7. Iraola said: "He [Wirtz] should be judged like everybody else, whether he plays well or doesn't play well.
"Mostly, I always say, 'How does the team play when you are on the pitch?' I am very happy with Florian, I rate him very highly, he understands what we need from him. He is trying to help in every aspect of the game. Obviously we want him to have assists and goals also, but he is helping us in a lot of different areas."