“IT’S A BIG DIFFERENCE” — MILOS KERKEZ REVEALS HOW ANDONI IRAOLA IS ALREADY CHANGING LIVERPOOL
Milos Kerkez believes Liverpool are already feeling the impact of Andoni Iraola, with the left-back highlighting a major change in the way the new manager wants his team to play.
Iraola replaced Arne Slot this summer after Slot’s second campaign ended in bitter disappointment. The Spaniard arrived at Anfield following three impressive years in charge of Bournemouth, where he had also coached Kerkez.
Now reunited with his former manager, Kerkez says he is enjoying the greater freedom Iraola has given him.
Kerkez enjoying greater freedom
Asked how much Iraola has changed things at Liverpool, Kerkez told the Liverpool Echo: “Everyone hopes so (that Iraola can deliver special times). I mean, it’s a big difference, obviously.”
The defender explained that Liverpool are being encouraged to play with greater aggression and intensity, particularly without the ball.
“We play really aggressive. We need to run a lot more. It is good. It is tough, but if you want to compete at the top, you need to do that in the Champions League, the Premier League.”
Kerkez also believes the new approach has given him more freedom to attack.
“You can see I have more freedom to fly up and down. I’m really running more, with more freedom, putting more balls into boxes.”
The 22-year-old added that Iraola’s confidence in him dates back to their time together at Bournemouth.
“The manager gave me confidence when I was in Bournemouth. We all have to do what he tells us to do. Play aggressive, front-foot, so we need to continue.”
Liverpool hoping to rediscover their intensity
Iraola has been tasked with reviving Liverpool after their trademark intensity dropped alarmingly during Slot’s second season.
The club’s high press became increasingly erratic at times, whereas Iraola has built a reputation around an energetic approach without the ball and his ability to develop young players.
For Kerkez, that style could provide the platform he needs to improve after an underwhelming first campaign at Anfield.
The left-back joined Liverpool from Bournemouth for £40million last summer after spending two seasons working under Iraola.
A positive end to pre-season
Liverpool head into their 2026/27 campaign away at Newcastle on Sunday after finishing pre-season with a 2-0 victory over Como.
The result provided a welcome boost following high-scoring defeats against Leeds and Monaco.
Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong both completed the full 90 minutes at full-back, while Jeremy Jacquet impressed on his Liverpool debut alongside Virgil van Dijk in central defence.
Kerkez was particularly pleased with Jacquet’s performance.
“He was brilliant, really,” he said. “Defensively, calm on the ball. Confidence is what we need. Plays hard, plays aggressive. Liverpool style of play, definitely. Really, really good.”
Ronald Araujo replaced Jacquet in the second half and also impressed, while Alisson secured a timely clean sheet.
“Araujo when he came in second half was aggressive, made a few tackles,” Kerkez added. “So was good. JJ good. We were solid. Ali, great, great to keep balls out of the net, so feels good when you have a clean sheet. We have to keep going next week.”
With Iraola now in charge, Kerkez believes Liverpool are adopting a more aggressive, front-foot identity—and he appears particularly well placed to benefit from the change.
