Milos Kerkez has lifted the lid on life under Andoni Iraola, explaining why he believes the Spaniard is the perfect fit for Liverpool and revealing the clear message every player has already received.
Milos Kerkez believes Andoni Iraola is the ideal manager for Liverpool after offering supporters an insight into the demands the Spaniard places on his players.
The Hungary international has already experienced working under Iraola and admits the new Reds head coach has a straightforward approach that leaves nobody in any doubt about what is expected of them.
Speaking after returning to the AXA Training Centre following his summer break, Kerkez explained that while Iraola may not be the loudest figure around the training ground, his standards are impossible to ignore.
“He’s a nice person, obviously, he lets you know straightforward what he wants from you, then it’s up to you to do it.
“If you don’t do it, you’re not playing, simple as that.”
‘The perfect boss for Liverpool’
Kerkez believes Iraola’s personality is perfectly suited to Liverpool and says his passion is evident every time he is on the touchline.
“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 is coming 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.”
The defender added that Liverpool’s players now have one clear objective before the new campaign begins.
“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.”
Happy to be back
Kerkez also admitted he quickly realised his summer break had lasted long enough. After spending time with family following a demanding campaign, the left-back said he found himself eager to return to Merseyside.
“I missed training, I missed the ball, so I’m really happy to be here, I got a lot of time to see family and everyone, to enjoy some time off.
“But after three weeks probably I was feeling that I need training back, football back, I need to be back in Liverpool.”
Author’s View: Kerkez’s comments brew excitement
Those comments are likely to delight Liverpool supporters as preparations continue for Iraola’s first season in charge.
Kerkez’s enthusiasm to return, combined with his glowing assessment of Liverpool’s new head coach, paints the picture of a squad already buying into the Spaniard’s methods.
After only a short time working under Iraola, one thing is already clear from Kerkez’s perspective: meet the standards, and you’ll play. Fail to do so, and somebody else will.
