Liverpool defender, Milos Kerkez, has expressed his excitement over Andoni Iraola’s appointment as the club’s new manager, describing the Spaniard as the ideal coach to lead the Reds because of their successful spell together at Bournemouth.
The 22-year-old Hungary international spent two seasons playing under Iraola on the south coast before sealing his move to Anfield last summer.
Kerkez believes the Basque tactician played a key role in his development and is confident Liverpool will benefit from his approach.
“I was delighted, honestly,” Kerkez told reporters. “I worked for him before, and he helped me and improved me a lot in the two years that I spent with him. I was really happy, obviously for myself but also for the team. Everyone knows what type of football he plays, so I think he is the perfect fit for us.”
Kerkez also explained the demanding style of football Iraola expects from his players, saying the manager’s emphasis on high pressing and relentless intensity requires exceptional fitness levels.
“He’s all about intensity. He’s not scared to play one-on-one all over the pitch, to press high and to be on the front foot always. If you see footage of how we all are after training, all lying down, then you can see what he is preparing us for. You definitely need legs and good condition for what he wants us to do, but we will be alright.
“The gaffer likes to play more with the full-backs down the line – underlapping, overlapping. It worked well for me at Bournemouth, so I think it will also work well for me here. He always told me that as a full-back, you need to defend hard and everything that you do in front is a bonus.
“I was always focused on defending and then running forward to help the wingers. He showed me that when you do your job, you’re free then to do what you want. I felt really free with him. I know what it means to play for Liverpool. I showed it a bit last year and I am going to show it more this year.”
Liverpool kicked off life under Iraola with a 4-2 pre-season victory over Sunderland on Saturday.
The Premier League champions continue their preparations with a clash against Wrexham in New York on Wednesday before wrapping up their tour of the United States against Leeds in Chicago on Sunday.
