Liverpool’s Kerkez Reflects on Difficult Bournemouth Return After 1-0 Win
Milos Kerkez left Bournemouth with three points, a clean sheet and mixed emotions after Liverpool secured a hard fought 1-0 Premier League victory at the Vitality Stadium.
The Liverpool left back was returning to familiar surroundings. Kerkez joined Bournemouth in 2023 and made 74 appearances under Andoni Iraola across two seasons before his performances in 2024-25 earned him PFA Team of the Year recognition and a £40 million move to Anfield.
Iraola is now working with Kerkez again at Liverpool, where the defender is attempting to establish himself after describing last season as “tough”.
Kerkez disappointed by Bournemouth reception
Kerkez played the full 90 minutes on Sunday as Alexander Isak’s 57th minute goal proved decisive.
His return was accompanied by boos from sections of the Bournemouth support, something the Hungary international admitted he had not anticipated.
“I didn’t expect this. I know a lot of people from the current team, I played with several of them,” Kerkez said.
“I have friends and acquaintances here. However, I didn’t get the reception from the fans that I had hoped for.”
There was still considerable satisfaction for Kerkez at the final whistle. Having spent two seasons at Bournemouth, he understood the difficulty Liverpool faced on the south coast.
“I know exactly how difficult it is to arrive here as a guest, so I’m proud of the team,” he said.
“It makes me very happy how we handled this match mentally. We fought until the last moment, and the reward was three points.”
Liverpool defence continues encouraging run
Liverpool’s victory extended their unbeaten Premier League start to five matches, with two victories and three draws leaving Iraola’s side sixth.
The clean sheet was also significant. Liverpool have now recorded three consecutive league shutouts for the first time since September 2024.
“I am happy it is the third clean sheet in a row in the league,” Iraola said.
Jeremy Jacquet and Virgil van Dijk are developing their understanding in central defence, with Ronald Araujo and Kerkez contributing to a Liverpool back line showing encouraging signs of cohesion.
Iraola has previously said Kerkez “still has big potential”, an important assessment as the 22 year old works to make his mark at Anfield.
Hungary duty next for Liverpool left back
Kerkez started each of Liverpool’s opening three Premier League fixtures this season. Andy Robertson, who had previously been ahead of him in the pecking order under Arne Slot, has since joined Tottenham Hotspur.
Attention now turns to international football.
Kerkez joins the Hungary squad ahead of their Nations League opener against Ukraine at the Puskas Arena on September 25. Hungary then travel to Belfast to face Northern Ireland on September 28.
He heads away having completed an emotional return to Bournemouth and, more importantly for Liverpool, having helped Iraola’s side secure another clean sheet and three valuable Premier League points.
