Milos Kerkez has welcomed the arrival of Andoni Iraola as new Liverpool head coach and sent a message to his team-mates
Milos Kerkez of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on July 14 2026 in Kirkby
Milos Kerkez of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on July 14 2026 in Kirkby(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Milos Kerkez is convinced Andoni Iraola can transform Liverpool's fortunes after an "unacceptable" last season - provided the players embrace the approach of the new head coach.
Iraola was appointed last month after Arne Slot was sacked following a disappointing defence of the Premier League title in which Champions League qualification was only secured on the final day.
The new head coach was most recently in charge at Bournemouth and has been joined by several members of his former backroom staff in first-team head coaches Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper and assistant coach Pablo de la Torre.
Kerkez spent two years working with the quartet on the South Coast before making a £40million move to Liverpool last summer.
And the Hungary international said: “We had really great times together in Bournemouth and when I saw that he (Iraola) was coming I was obviously really happy.
"They know me, I know them and I know that they can bring a lot to the club – especially Andoni with the playing style, with the energy and how he wants his team to play.
"I think it suits Liverpool and I think it’s going to be really exciting times ahead. He helped me a lot to improve."
Kerkez added: “My first year when I came to Bournemouth, we always had the analysis, video analysis and everything. Him and the assistant Tommy, Coops and Pablo, everyone helped me lot.
“Then when I got going, my second year was a lot better. I got adapted more so it’s all, of course, thanks to him.
“He likes to play direct, high, front-foot, and I think that’s perfect also for me. So, I think not only me, I think a lot of players are going to like it. I think it’s going to be good.”
Iraola welcomed the majority of his squad for the official start of pre-season at the AXA Training Centre on Tuesday ahead of jetting out next Monday for the start of a two-week US tour.
And Kerkez has lifted the lid on what the Liverpool players can expect from the new head coach.
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“He’s a nice person," said the left-back. "He lets you know straightforward what he wants from you, then it’s up to you to do it.
"I mean, if you don’t do it, you’re not playing, simple as that. But he is good.
“He’s maybe not much of a talker, but he shows fully his emotions a lot, you can see on the sideline and everywhere that he’s really, really energetic. He comes from Bilbao and you know their mentality is also like that, I think he’s a really perfect boss for Liverpool and how he wants his team to play.
“We just have to make a good pre-season and obviously listen to him, listen to what he wants from us and I think the team is going to be in good shape.”
Speaking to liverpoolfc.com, Kerkez also reflected on the disappointment of the previous campaign that led to Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group making a change in the dugout.
“It was tough," he said. "We had downs and ups sometimes, but it’s going to be important to know how we come this season and that we show that we are more ready.
“We are going to have to fight really more because obviously in Liverpool you have to play for things, you have to win things and last year it was, you can say unacceptable, that’s how it was and how it went."
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