Iraola Eyes Kerkez Improvement as Liverpool Project Begins

Andoni Iraola has wasted little time identifying his opening priority at Liverpool, with the newly appointed manager keen to unlock further potential in Milos Kerkez following their previous collaboration at Bournemouth.

Iraola took charge at Anfield after Arne Slot's departure, arriving fresh from guiding the Cherries to Europa League qualification for the 2026/27 season. The 43-year-old Spaniard inherits a squad he has closely studied from a distance, giving him an immediate advantage as he settles into his new role.

Kerkez, who completed his £40million transfer from Bournemouth to Liverpool in summer 2025, endured a testing debut campaign on Merseyside. The 22-year-old Hungary international struggled to impose himself consistently under Slot, competing with Andy Robertson for the left-back berth and managing just 27 Premier League starts alongside seven Champions League appearances.

Yet Iraola sees untapped room for growth. Speaking to Liverpool's official channels, the manager explained his vision for the defender's development: "It will be lovely also to play again with Milos, try to improve him, try to help him in his development."

The familiarity counts for plenty. Iraola noted that having analysed Liverpool extensively during his Bournemouth tenure has eased his transition, though he framed his entire squad as fresh territory. "For me, you are all new signings," he told the assembled press, emphasising his commitment to maximising existing talent rather than wholesale overhauls.

"I think we have a very good squad," Iraola continued. "There is still work to do, like normally in every club at this moment of the season. But right now, for me the thing is to value especially the players that we have right now."

Kerkez had established himself as one of the Premier League's standout left-backs during his time at Bournemouth, and Iraola's appointment suggests the manager believes that earlier form can be resurrected.

Beyond immediate squad matters, Iraola expressed profound respect for his predecessor's achievements. Slot steered Liverpool to the 2024/25 Premier League title, a feat the incoming boss describes as "massive" for a club of Liverpool's stature.

"Massive respect for Arne," Iraola said. "He's been a Premier League champion and this is something that is massive, especially for a club like Liverpool."

The Spaniard also acknowledged the scale of the Champions League challenge ahead. Having tasted European football just once as a player—though he regularly competed in the Europa League during his Athletic Club days—Iraola expressed enthusiasm about navigating the continent's elite competition for the first time as a manager.

"The Champions League, I've only played it once and I'm looking forward to play it for the first time as a coach," he reflected. "Big demands, also big chances to face the best teams in Europe and see where we are."