Milos Kerkez, who joined Liverpool last summer, has described new manager Andoni Iraola as the 'perfect fit' for the club, citing the intense training sessions and demanding style of play.
'I was delighted, honestly,' Kerkez told Daily Mail Sport when asked about Iraola's appointment. 'I worked for him before and he helped me and improved me a lot in the two years that I spent with him.' Kerkez transferred from Bournemouth for £40 million and is now one of the few players at Anfield who has prior experience with Iraola's coaching.
'Everyone knows what type of football he plays, I think he is the perfect fit for us,' Kerkez stated. 'It’s the intensity. 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.' The midfielder noted that Iraola maintains a professional distance with players, emphasizing hard work and team uniformity.
During the team's pre-season tour in Chicago, with senior players absent, Kerkez has reportedly stepped into a leadership role. The squad has been undergoing rigorous training in the Illinois heat.
Kerkez also shared details about his upbringing in Serbia, describing a childhood that differed significantly from the typical path of a professional footballer. 'For example, I started to drive a truck when I was 10 years old,' he recounted, clarifying that his father was operating the pedals while Kerkez, due to his small stature, was steering. This experience, he believes, instilled a strong work ethic.
He also touched upon his family's influence, particularly his father's role in keeping him grounded. 'He is here to smack me sometimes on the top of the head to remind me!' Kerkez said. 'Sometimes you play a few good games and you maybe start to get a bit carried away. But my dad is here to smack me, I come straight back down and I switch straight back on.'
The Liverpool player also clarified a recent misunderstanding about his personal life, explaining that a picture on social media showing him with a bride was from his eldest brother's wedding, not his own. He added that he is not yet ready for marriage.
Kerkez also mentioned his friendship with UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett, whom he met through his father. He also reflected on his time with teammates like Dominik Szoboszlai and Andy Robertson, acknowledging Robertson as a legend and mentor while expressing his own ambition to forge his own path at Liverpool.