Milos Kerkez has reacted to Liverpool's first clean sheet and 2-0 win at Ipswich
Milos Kerkez has welcomed Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town, while stressing the need for the team to maintain its standards as the fixture schedule becomes more demanding.
Liverpool secured their first Premier League win of the season at Portman Road on Friday, with Alexander Isak scoring twice inside the opening nine minutes. The result also saw Liverpool keep their first clean sheet of the campaign.
Speaking after the match, Kerkez said Liverpool had responded well to the areas they identified for improvement following their opening two league matches.
" It's really nice," he said.
"I think we were in the game since the first minute. It's what we talked [about] in the first two games [that] we need to do better. I think we did that outstanding.
"Obviously Alex is starting to score and I hope that continues. I'm happy with the boys and overall how aggressive we went."
The left-back was also pleased with the team’s defensive performance, particularly its work against Ipswich’s crosses and set pieces.
"When you press like us, it's a bit tough to do it for all the game and all the 90 minutes," said Kerkez.
"We can do it for the first 30 to 35 minutes and in some ways we can do that in the second half at the beginning – but then it's all about staying compact and talking to each other.
"That's what we said also that we need to improve, and as defenders we are happy with the clean sheet. We defended pretty well their crosses and the set-pieces. Like I said, everyone was 100 per cent focused."
Kerkez believes Andoni Iraola’s approach is beginning to become clearer within the squad. He added that the players are becoming more comfortable with the demands of the new system.
However, the 22-year-old was keen to keep the result in perspective. Liverpool face a busy period, beginning with Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with Atletico Madrid at Anfield.
He said: "Yes, definitely. I think everyone felt better on the pitch and I think myself also when I look at it I'm getting more into the play and better.
"Obviously it's a clean sheet, particularly away we know it's tough in the Premier League everywhere. We're happy but we can't celebrate too much. Now games come every three days and it's onto the next."
Unlike last campaign, Kerkez has new wingers who can operate in front of him on the left flank. He understands that developing a strong understanding with them will be important in Liverpool's attacking and defensive balance.
"It's your job to adapt," said the left-back.
"That's why we have training sessions. I think with Cody [Gakpo] this year we understand each other a lot better. I think when Bradley [Barcola] came in we had good actions – I nearly gave him a pass through that was nice. But we're getting the understanding every day in training. We need to just keep going."
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