Kerkez backs Iraola to succeed at Liverpool

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The Football Faithful

·28 July 2026

Kerkez backs Iraola to succeed at Liverpool

Milos Kerkez believes Andoni Iraola is the “perfect fit” for Liverpool after reuniting with the head coach who helped transform his game at Bournemouth.

The Hungary international worked under Iraola for two seasons on the south coast before completing his move to Anfield last summer. The pair are now together again following the Spaniard’s appointment as Liverpool manager, and Kerkez says he could not have been happier with the decision.

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“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 offered an insight into the demanding style Liverpool supporters can expect under Iraola, describing a system built on relentless pressing and intensity.

Kerkez backs Iraola to succeed at Liverpool

“He’s all about intensity,” he said. “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.” The 22-year-old expects to thrive in Iraola’s tactical approach, having flourished as an attack-minded full-back during their previous spell together at Bournemouth.

“The gaffer likes to play more with the full-backs down the line – underlapping, overlapping,” Kerkez explained. “It worked well for me at Bournemouth, so I think it will also work well for me here.”

He also revealed the defensive discipline demanded by Iraola ultimately gave him the confidence to express himself further forward.

“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 felt really free with him.”

Liverpool made a winning start to pre-season with a 4-2 victory over Sunderland and continue their United States tour against Wrexham in New York before facing Leeds United in Chicago.