Kerkez lifts the lid on Robertson relationship
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Milos Kerkez has revealed how Andy Robertson helped him through a maiden Merseyside derby for Liverpool.
Kerkez lined up for the Premier League champions in Saturday’s 247th clash with Everton as the hosts claimed a 2-1 win to extend their flawless start to the season.
The Hungary international is vying alongside Robertson for the Reds’ left-back spot following his £40 million arrival from Bournemouth in the summer transfer window.
But Kerkez insists his relationship with the vice-captain is strong and even extended to a pre and post-match pep talk either side of facing their local neighbours.
He said: “[The relationship is] really good.
Before the game, he motivated me.
“He told me: ‘Go outside and do your thing that you were doing last season’ so he gave me a bit of a push.
“Then, after the game, he congratulated me and told me that I should keep going like that.
“We are good.
He’s a legend who did amazing things, won everything and still has quality.
It’s not like he’s not here.
He’s pushing me, I’m pushing him and I think that’s important to have in a big club like this.”
Since the move from the South Coast, Kerkez has enjoyed a strong start to life at Anfield but admits that there has been a slight adjustment in his new surroundings.
“I’m playing a bit different here than [when] I played in Bournemouth but I’m not listening too much to outside noise,” he added.
“I’m just following what the coach is telling me so what he tells me I’m doing every week and that’s what will keep me playing.
“Sometimes I’m dropping lower to play and to keep the ball.
In Bournemouth I played I would say a bit more on the higher line and had a bit more freedom.
“But here, you play more for the team, for points and to win so you have to look for the team.
“That’s more important than individual performances so we have to do what the coach tells us and that’s why we’re winning games.”