Liverpool have splashed the cash to strengthen their squad this summer and their new left-back Milos Kerkez is hungry to win silverware after swapping Bournemouth for Merseyside
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - JUNE 26: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Milos Kerkez new signing for Liverpool FC at AXA Training Centre on June 26, 2025 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool new boy Milos Kerkez wants to win trophies(Image: Andrew Powell, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Milos Kerkez has no doubts that he can handle the expectation that comes with playing for Liverpool - after recognising what real pressure looks like when he was a kid.
The champions paid Bournemouth £40million for the Serbian-born Hungarian international left-back and the 21-year-old admitted he realised that he was taking a huge step up in class from the pace of the passing he encountered in his very first training session with his new club.
But Kerkez insists he is ready for the challenge - thanks to a childhood spent on the tough streets of his hometown Vrbas and a career path that has brought him to Anfield via spells in Hungary, Italy and Holland after coming through the ranks in Serbian and Austrian youth football.
“For me, I don't feel pressure anywhere,” said Kerkez, who is hoping to be in Slot’s team for the Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace at Wembley.
“It's just go out and do your job. That's it. There's no pressure in that.
“For me, I grew up different. So I accept everything. It's not a problem for me. I grew up differently than other European kids. I'm from Serbia, so everything is different with us.
“When you ask me before about pressure and if you feel on the pitch. That’s not pressure because when you play football, you can have a bad game but you still get paid. Pressure is when some families don’t even have a meal to eat the next morning. That's what's called pressure.
“I have big ambitions, so I am happy that I'm now at a club like Liverpool because I can compete for things. When you play for this club, that is always the aim. But I always want to win, so for me it doesn't matter. It's normal, it's Liverpool - you have to win.”
Milos Kerkez
Kerkez joined the Reds from Bournemouth this summer
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes played a huge role in taking Kerkez to Merseyside after securing the defender for Bournemouth two years ago when he was in a similar role with the Cherries.
Blessed with lightning pace and a cultured left foot, the 5ft 11ins powerhouse also possesses a mental strength that will stand him in good stead playing in front of the Kop.
Milos Kerkez of Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and AFC Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on January 14, 2025 in London, England.
Kerkez enjoyed a stellar 2024-25 campaign with the Cherries(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Asked if there were any jitters on his first day at the club, Kerkez scoffed: “Me nervous? I was never nervous! I was really happy and I couldn't wait to get started.
“The intensity and the quality are higher and there are not many mistakes. When you hear the noise of the passes - boom, boom, boom - it's different.
“It's just the highest level of football and I'm really proud and happy that I'm here. I think I'm fitting in perfectly, so I think this is the best place to be.
Andy Robertson
Kerkez will compete with Andy Robertson for the left-back berth
“My brothers keep texting me and they're like ‘you're a Liverpool player!’ It's a big thing. Now it's only time to work more and do great stuff with this club.”
Kerkez has opted to take the same No 6 shirt once worn by left-back John Arne Riise at Anfield. He explained: “I have No 6 because of Arne Riiise - and because my brothers chose the number for me. I always let my brothers choose the numbers where I go to different teams.
“They were saying No 6 and I knew Arne Riise had worn that number, so I told them that it is a good number to continue.
“I watched a lot of the Premier League when I was growing up. I used to watch Gerrard, I used to watch Arne Riise, Andy Robertson - and even Ronaldo when he played.”
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