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Milos Kerkez said Liverpool’s squad is feeling upbeat ahead of the Premier League clash against Manchester United on Sunday, despite the Merseyside club losing its last three games in a row.
In many respects, the international break came at the perfect time for Liverpool following defeats against Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea. It allowed Arne Slot and his staff time to regroup, draw conclusions and, most importantly, attempt to find solutions.
Slot referenced several examples of the improvements Liverpool needs to make during Friday’s pre-match press conference. The Dutchman portrayed a sense of calm when discussing the issues while acknowledging that several big changes are needed.
As for the players, Kerkez believes there’s a renewed sense of motivation among the squad.
“We’re preparing, everyone is really with a lot of positive energy back,” the left-back told Liverpool’s website.
“A lot of the lads had good performances and good wins with their national teams, so we’re really looking forward to it.
“Obviously, that [run of defeats] was tough. I think the international break came and like I said, [we had] important victories, good performances.
“Everyone is in shape, so yeah, I saw everyone back with full energy and full focus and we are really ready to turn things around,” Kerkez added.
“Everyone came back fit and it’s going to be really important, we’re going to need everyone: the fans, the players who are starting, [the players] who are not starting, and we go for three points.”
Liverpool’s three defeats all came on the road, and Sunday’s game at Anfield will be its first home league match in nearly a month.
It will also be Kerkez’s first experience of this ferocious rivalry with United, and the defender believes the team will improve in front of its own supporters, particularly for such a huge occasion.
“I always feel different when I’m playing in Anfield,” the ex-Bournemouth man said. “I get a lot of energy and I’m not really feeling too tired with the adrenaline, so I’m looking forward to it.
“I know the fans will get behind us as always and they really, really give us a lot of boost, a lot of energy. So, it’s going to be a big one and obviously we want to give back to the fans, to the club, the victory.”
Kerkez has started all seven league matches this season and is likely to extend that record to eight when United makes the short journey up the M62 on Sunday.
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