Liverpool defender Milos Kerkez relishes new freedom under Andoni Iraola
Liverpool defender Milos Kerkez says he is thriving under the aggressive tactical approach implemented by new manager Andoni Iraola following the departure of Arne Slot.
The Spanish coach was appointed this summer with the mandate of reviving the Merseyside club after a bitterly disappointing second campaign under his Dutch predecessor.
Slot was dismissed following a season in which the team’s trademark intensity dropped alarmingly and their high press became worryingly erratic.
Iraola arrived at Anfield following three impressive years in charge of Bournemouth, bringing a reputation for a high-energy system without the ball.
Reuniting with a familiar system
The managerial change reunites the new head coach with a player he previously managed on the south coast.
The Hungarian international made a £40m move to Anfield last summer but failed to make his desired impact during a difficult debut campaign.
However, the 22-year-old is now confident he will flourish in a system that is fundamentally better suited to his attacking attributes.
We play really aggressive, we need to run a lot more, and it is good.
The full-back noted that competing at the top of the Premier League and Champions League requires this demanding level of physical output.
You can see I have more freedom to fly up and down, I’m really running more, putting more balls into boxes.
The former Bournemouth defender added that the entire squad has fully committed to playing on the front foot.
Building momentum for the new campaign
The Reds recently wrapped up their pre-season preparations with a 2-0 victory over Como, providing a much-needed morale boost following high-scoring defeats by Leeds and Monaco.
Both the Hungarian and teammate Jeremie Frimpong completed 90 minutes in the wide defensive positions during the reassuring victory.
Meanwhile, highly-rated prospect Jeremy Jacquet scored and impressed alongside captain Virgil van Dijk in central defence.
He was brilliant, really – defensively calm on the ball, plays hard, plays aggressive, which is definitely the Liverpool style of play.
New defensive signing Ronald Araujo also featured in the second half, helping goalkeeper Alisson secure a welcome clean sheet.
The Anfield side will officially begin their 2026/27 Premier League campaign with a challenging away fixture against Newcastle United on Sunday.