John Arne Riise has expressed cautious optimism about Liverpool’s future under new manager Andoni Iraola, while voicing concerns about defender Milos Kerkez’s playing style. Kerkez, who joined Liverpool last year for £40 million after impressive performances under Iraola at Bournemouth, has gradually established himself as the Reds’ first-choice left-back following the departure of Andy Robertson to Tottenham Hotspur.
Riise acknowledged that Kerkez experienced an inconsistent debut season but suggested that reuniting with Iraola could boost his confidence. The former Liverpool left-back, who made 348 appearances for the club, noted that the Hungarian player’s frenzied and high-tempo style—characterized by rapid passing, sprinting, and pressing—remains a source of concern. He emphasized the need for full-backs to balance defensive solidity with offensive support and hoped Kerkez could find a more controlled form of play suited to Liverpool’s demands.
Iraola’s appointment came six days after the sacking of Arne Slot, who was dismissed following a challenging season. Riise described the decision to part ways with Slot as difficult, stating he initially believed the Dutch coach should have been given a full pre-season and another chance to integrate new signings and stabilize the squad. However, Riise mentioned reports suggesting Slot may have lost the dressing room, which, at a club of Liverpool’s stature, makes recovery nearly impossible. He welcomed Iraola’s arrival, highlighting the new manager’s previous successes and the need for fresh impetus.
Looking ahead, Riise stressed the importance of Liverpool competing at the highest level under Iraola. He said it is essential for the club to be genuine title contenders and to make a strong impact in the Champions League, setting this as the baseline expectation for the manager. However, Riise also indicated that Iraola’s success will depend significantly on player recruitment and the quality of new arrivals ahead of the upcoming season.
Overall, while Riise remains hopeful about the changes at Anfield, he underlined that Liverpool cannot afford to fall short of their traditional standards and that consistent performances, particularly from key positions like full-back, will be crucial in meeting the club’s ambitions.