Milos Kerkez has declared that Liverpool's last season was 'unacceptable' and expressed confidence that new head coach Andoni Iraola can transform the club's fortunes, provided the players fully embrace his methods.
Kerkez welcomes Iraola's appointment
Iraola was appointed last month after Arne Slot was sacked following a disappointing Premier League title defence, with Champions League qualification only secured on the final day. The new head coach arrived from Bournemouth, bringing first-team coaches Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper, and assistant coach Pablo de la Torre.
Kerkez spent two years working with the quartet at Bournemouth before his £40million move to Liverpool last summer. 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.'
Iraola's playing style and approach
Kerkez elaborated on Iraola's methods: '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 a 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 a two-week US tour starting next Monday. Kerkez lifted the lid on what players can expect: 'He’s a nice person. 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.'
Reflecting on last season's disappointment
Speaking to liverpoolfc.com, Kerkez also reflected on 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.'
