The Reds completed their schedule of summer friendlies by beating Como 1907 2-0 on Sunday evening, with first-half goals by Cody Gakpo and debutant Jeremy Jacquet the difference at Anfield.
Andoni Iraola’s side are now looking ahead to a trip to St. James’ Park this coming weekend, the head coach’s first competitive match in charge of the club.
Following the victory over Como, Kerkez spoke to Liverpoolfc.com. Read the interview below.
On Sunday’s match feeling like perfect preparation for the first game of the season…
We said we need to get the win, to get that positive mentality going into the next week. So, we did good, clean sheet, good for the defenders, and yeah, we’re happy. We have still some work to be more defensively set up, more help obviously from the wingers, but it’s going to come next week.
On how he feels personally heading into the new campaign…
Yeah, I feel ready. [This] is the first time I played 90 minutes [this summer], I felt a bit [my] legs at I would say 70-something [minutes], but it’s good to get the whole 90 minutes. I had a lot [of time] to recharge [after last season] but honestly I started to train after, I will say, two or three weeks. I missed training, so it’s good to be back [and] recharged.
On the importance of players getting the full 90 minutes…
For sure. A lot of guys needed 90, [we] need to be ready for Premier League intensity next week. You know how it is, especially at Newcastle away, so it was good that a lot of guys got 90 minutes, definitely.
On what has changed for him in terms of his role under Iraola when compared to last season…
You can see I have more freedom to fly up and down. I’m really running more, with more freedom, putting more balls into the box. So, the manager gave me confidence when I was in Bournemouth… [and] we all have to do what he tells us to do: play aggressive, front-foot, so we need to continue.
On what Iraola can deliver and the aim of achieving special things together...
Yeah, everyone hopes so. It’s a big difference, obviously we play really aggressive [and] we need to run a lot more. It is tough but if you want to compete at the top, you need to do that in the Champions League, in the Premier League. So, we are more ready, everyone can’t wait until the season starts next week.
On the squad feeling ready for the visit to St. James’ Park…
Yeah, I can remember last season how it was – [a] big difference for me when you play [for] Bournemouth at Newcastle and Liverpool at Newcastle. I can’t wait, really, [and] I think my teammates also can’t wait. It’s a brilliant atmosphere there… first game [and] we need to get the three points, definitely.
