'We have to give everything' - Milos Kerkez on LASK, Barcola relationship, Iraola and more
Milos Kerkez wants Liverpool to 'give everything' in their quest for victory in the Champions League at LASK on Wednesday evening.
The Reds will take on the Austrian Bundesliga outfit in a league-phase contest at Raiffeisen Arena, with kick-off set for 5.45pm BST.
Ahead of the fixture, Kerkez sat down with the media to answer questions on a range of subjects at the pre-match press conference – see what the full-back had to say in our round-up below…
On the feeling in the squad after the defeat by Manchester City...
Obviously we were disappointed after the game. I think we competed really well for 60 minutes. After that what happened, happened. It was frustrating but we know that we have this game tomorrow [against LASK] so the next day we focused on recovery and today also we do the best things [to make sure] we are 100 per cent tomorrow.
On whether there were any 'positives' to take from the City game...
Yes, I think a lot of people also had that feeling and we [did] as the players. Of course, at the end of the day the results matter always. It was not ideal, but we move on. Tomorrow is a new opportunity and we have to give everything.
On what he has made of Andoni Iraola's impact at Liverpool so far...
I think it's just the style we're playing right now. We're running a lot and playing more aggressive and more front-footed. All the players are buying into his philosophy. Of course, there is still a way to go and a way to improve. But like I said before, I think we are on the right track.
On whether he is feeling 'more settled' at Liverpool...
Yes, of course. It's my second year. I think I was adapting more last season after a new year... it's good. It's all development. Obviously the gaffer is here now that I knew for a long time at Bournemouth. I feel a lot more easy.
On whether there's anything Iraola has asked him to do that is different...
It depends on the game and it depends on who we are playing against and who the opposition is or who the winger is. It's always on the game. He tells me game by game what he wants from me and that's what I want to do.
On the confidence he has in the the squad to deal with the schedule amid a number of injuries...
Obviously it's a bit tough. The games are coming quick but we are professionals. We have to take recovery very seriously and we have a squad and we have quality. The young players are also helping us a lot. I think it's all in the recovery. You don't have much time to train really and to prepare for the next game. But like I say, it's important with the recovery to take it seriously and try to go for the next game 100 per cent ready.
Departure photos: Liverpool fly to Linz
On how his on-pitch relationship is building with Bradley Barcola...
He obviously arrived and has played a few games. He needs a bit more time – everyone needs it when they arrive at a club like this. He's a real talent and has shown it at PSG. He has great skills. He can help us a lot with scoring goals and going forward. It's just the thing to talk more and build that connection more. He's going to help us get better combinations down the left. I think we are in a good way and obviously I hope it will get better.
On what he means by 'talk' and if it's both on and off the pitch...
Yes, definitely. You have to help a new player also outside of the pitch and adjust in general. It's to get to know him better and talk outside the pitch and then on the pitch we have to communicate a lot.
On Dominik Szoboszlai's fitness and if he might be ready for Saturday's game at Brentford...
I don't know! You will have to ask the gaffer that. He is recovering but we hope. I know Dom and how he is, he doesn't like to be out long and he wants to play every game and knowing him he would like to play on Saturday.
