Full Breakdown
Kerkez Hails Iraola as “Perfect Boss” Ahead of Liverpool’s Pre-Season
7/16/2026, 1:16:18 PM
Reunion and Praise: Kerkez Calls Iraola “Perfect Boss”
Hungarian left-back Milos Kerkez told Liverpool’s official website that the appointment of Andoni Iraola as head coach feels like a reunion. After two seasons together at AFC Bournemouth, Kerkez said the Basque’s “playing style, the energy and how he wants his team to play” makes him “the perfect boss for Liverpool.” He added that the squad must “make a good pre-season, listen to what he wants, and … the team is going to be in good shape.”
Background: Bournemouth Connection and Transfer
Kerkez arrived at Liverpool in the summer of 2023 for a reported £50 million fee—almost three times the amount Bournemouth paid for him. The Hungarian had broken through at AZ Alkmaar before joining Bournemouth, where he spent two campaigns under Iraola, making 74 appearances for the English club. During that spell he earned a place in the PFA Team of the Year and helped Bournemouth rank among the league’s highest in Passes Per Defensive Action (PPDA), a metric of pressing intensity.
Key Figures
- Milos Kerkez – 22-year-old Hungarian international, left-back, known for his high-energy runs and defensive solidity.
- Andoni Iraola – Former Athletic Bilbao player and manager, appointed Liverpool head coach in the summer of 2024. His tactical philosophy emphasizes “high-energy, high-pressing front-foot football,” mirroring the style he implemented at Bournemouth.
Data & Statistics
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Appearances for Iraola at Bournemouth | 74 |
| Transfer fee to Liverpool | £50 million |
| PFA Team of the Year inclusion | 2022-23 season (as cited) |
| Bournemouth PPDA ranking | Among the league’s top (pressing intensity) |
Impact on Liverpool
Kerkez argues that his familiarity with Iraola’s “pressing triggers and defensive shapes” will smooth Liverpool’s tactical transition. The coach’s Basque roots and Bilbao mentality, Kerkez notes, align with Liverpool’s own “Scouse” identity, potentially strengthening the bond between the dressing-room and supporters. With the club seeking to revive the “heavy-metal attacking” brand praised by former striker Mohamed Salah, Iraola’s direct, high-press approach is seen as a conduit to that legacy.
Official Statements & Responses
Kerkez emphasized that Iraola “lets you know straightforward what he wants from you, then it’s up to you to do it,” adding that failure to meet those expectations results in exclusion from the matchday squad. He described the coach as “maybe not much of a talker, but … really, really energetic” on the sidelines. Kerkez also relayed Iraola’s intention to retain Curtis Jones, the last Scouser in the first-team squad, underscoring the new manager’s focus on local identity.
On-the-Ground Reports
After a three-week holiday, Kerkez returned to training eager for action, having featured for Hungary in a 5 June friendly victory over Finland at the Puskás Aréna. He described the break as “a bit too long” and expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming pre-season.
What’s Next
Liverpool will commence their U.S. pre-season tour with friendlies against Sunderland in Nashville on 25 July, followed by matches versus Wrexham in New York City and Leeds United in Chicago. Kerkez expects to play a “key part” both in these fixtures and once the competitive season begins in August.
