Milos Kerkez has admitted Liverpool will have to manage games as they continue to adapt to the physical demands set by new head coach Andoni Iraola.
The Reds won 2-0 away at Ipswich Town on Friday night to clinch their first victory under the Spaniard thanks to an early brace from Alexander Isak. Such a result came in contrast to their opening two games, which saw Liverpool trail four times as they came from behind to draw 2-2 with both Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.
Slowly clicking under Iraola
Following both stalemates, Iraola had spoken to his side about needing to start games with a greater urgency. And Kerkez believes Liverpool are slowly starting to click under their new head coach.
“It’s really nice. We were in the game from the first minute,” he told the club. “It’s what we thought in the previous two games we needed to do better. So I think we did that outstandingly today.
“When you press like us, it is a bit tough to do it for the whole game, the whole 90 minutes. We can do first 30-35 minutes, then we need some rest.
“We can do that at the beginning of the second half, but then it’s all about staying compact and talking to each other. That’s what we said we also need to improve.”
Clean sheet and growing understanding
“Everyone felt better on the pitch today. Me also, I’m getting more freedom to play, I’m feeling better also,” Kerkez added.
“As defenders, we are happy with the clean sheet. I think we defended pretty well, the crosses and set-pieces. Everyone was 100% focused.
“Obviously Alex is starting to score. Hope that continues also. I’m happy with the boys and overall how aggressive we won today.
“Clean sheet, victory away we know is tough everywhere in the Premier League. I’m happy but we can’t celebrate too much. Games come every three days and now onto the next.”
Kerkez also believes he is enjoying a stronger connection with Cody Gakpo on the left wing, with Dutchman claiming two stunning assists for Isak at Portman Road, while he is already seeing promising signs from his link-up with summer signing Bradley Barcola.
“It’s your job to adapt. That’s why we have training sessions,” he said. “With Cody, I think this year we understand each other a lot better.
“I think when Bradley came in, we had good actions. Nearly I gave him a pass through that was nice. We are getting better understanding in training and just need to keep going.”
