Photo: Timmy96 / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons
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Liverpool left-back Milos Kerkez says the squad is primed for the Premier League season after the club completed its pre-season schedule with a 2-0 win over Como 1907 at Anfield on Sunday.
First-half goals from Cody Gakpo and debutant Jeremy Jacquet secured the clean sheet, sending Andoni Iraola's side into their competitive opener in confident mood.
"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," Kerkez said. "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."
Kerkez played the full 90 minutes against Como — his first complete game of the summer — and underlined how important the extended run-out was ahead of the trip to St. James' Park. "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," he said.
The Hungarian defender also pointed to an expanded role under Iraola 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," Kerkez said, adding that Iraola first gave him that confidence during his time at Bournemouth.
Kerkez, who faced Newcastle as a Bournemouth player last season, said the occasion will be a step up. "I can remember last season how it was — big difference for me when you play 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."
Sunday's victory over Como was Iraola's final pre-season fixture since taking charge of Liverpool. The Premier League visit to Newcastle United is scheduled for the coming weekend.