Liverpool Boss Arne Slot Launches Defence of Under-Fire Milos Kerkez Amid Left-Back’s Underwhelming Start to Life at Anfield

Slot Stands by Kerkez as the Pressure Mounts

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has come to the defence of his summer signing Milos Kerkez, who has endured a rocky start to his time at Anfield. The Hungarian full-back, recruited from Bournemouth amid plenty of excitement, was expected to be the long-term successor to Andy Robertson — but things haven’t exactly gone to plan.

At just 21 years old, Kerkez arrived on Merseyside with a glowing reputation as one of the Premier League’s most dynamic young defenders. His tireless energy, direct attacking runs, and fearless defending had made him a standout performer on the south coast. So, when Liverpool beat several European giants to his signature, many fans believed the Reds had found their next great left-back.

Fast-forward a few months, however, and the narrative has shifted. The youngster has looked short of confidence, his usually assured touch replaced by hesitancy. Critics have been quick to pounce, questioning whether the step up to a title-chasing Liverpool side has come too soon.

But Slot, known for his calm approach and measured words, isn’t ready to lose faith in his young player. Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Brentford, the Dutchman was quick to throw his support behind Kerkez.

“The reason we brought him in, that I can tell you,” Slot said, “is that he brings a lot of energy to the game, keeps going up and down the flank, and gives us that intensity we want. He’s been very good in one-v-one defending against wingers, and he’s growing with every game.”

A Rocky Start for Liverpool’s Young Full-Back

For many, Kerkez’s struggles are less about talent and more about pressure. Playing for Liverpool, particularly in front of the Kop, carries expectations unlike anywhere else. Mistakes are magnified; patience is short.

Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison was particularly harsh in his criticism of the young defender following Liverpool’s 2–1 defeat to Manchester United last weekend. Speaking on Match of the Day, Morrison didn’t mince his words.

“It was probably one of the only Liverpool games I’ve watched where Van Dijk looked rattled,” Morrison said. “He was having to cover Milos Kerkez, who just looked out of his depth. He’s struggling right now and doesn’t look like he can carry that Liverpool shirt.”

It’s a brutal assessment, but one that reflects the unforgiving nature of top-flight football. Kerkez’s early weeks at Liverpool have been a crash course in scrutiny. He’s found himself caught out of position at times, his attacking instincts occasionally leaving gaps behind.

Slot, however, doesn’t see it as a reason to panic. The Liverpool boss insists that development takes time — particularly for a player still learning the nuances of a system as demanding as his.

“We have a clear way of playing, and it requires understanding, rhythm, and chemistry,” Slot said. “Milos is adapting well. He’s young, he’s eager, and we are very happy with what he brings to the squad. Every player goes through these periods.”

The Robertson Question

Naturally, the spotlight has also turned toward Andy Robertson, the man Kerkez was brought in to eventually replace. The Scottish international remains a fan favourite, but at 31, injuries and fatigue have slowed him down. Many expected Kerkez’s arrival to signal a gradual handover of the position — but for now, Slot is treading carefully.

When asked whether Robertson could regain his starting place, the Liverpool manager refused to be drawn into comparisons.

“I don’t think that’s a place for me to say,” Slot replied diplomatically. “Because if I comment on Milos, I’d have to say something about Robbo too. What matters is that both are giving everything in training. Competition in this squad is healthy.”

Robertson’s experience could prove invaluable in helping Kerkez settle. The pair have reportedly built a strong relationship off the pitch, with the veteran mentoring his younger teammate. It’s a dynamic that could benefit both players — and, in the long term, Liverpool.

Liverpool v Manchester United – Premier League

Big Names, Big Expectations

Kerkez isn’t the only summer signing who has found life tough at Anfield. Liverpool’s recruitment spree was ambitious, but several high-profile arrivals have yet to make the desired impact.

Chief among them is Florian Wirtz, the German playmaker who joined in a blockbuster deal after lighting up the Bundesliga. Tipped to become the next superstar of European football, Wirtz has struggled to find his rhythm in England. His creativity has flickered in flashes, but consistency has eluded him — and fans are beginning to question whether the £90 million price tag was too steep.

Then there’s Alexander Isak, whose move from Newcastle dominated the summer headlines. The Swedish striker was brought in to add firepower to Liverpool’s already fearsome attack, but so far, his adaptation has been anything but seamless.

Slot’s challenge has been finding the right balance between Isak and Hugo Ekitike, another summer addition. Both prefer to operate through the middle, and neither has looked fully comfortable when asked to drift wide. Despite Ekitike’s lively early performances, Isak’s reputation has seen him retain his starting spot — a decision that hasn’t gone unnoticed among fans.

A Needed Response in Europe

After a difficult run of results that saw Liverpool go four matches without a win, the Reds finally roared back to form with a commanding 5–1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League. It was a much-needed confidence boost — both for the squad and for Slot himself.

That European triumph came on the back of domestic struggles that included defeats to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, Chelsea, and the aforementioned loss to United. Those results had sparked murmurs of discontent among supporters who, after last season’s title win, expected Liverpool to pick up right where they left off.

The win against Frankfurt offered a timely reminder of what this team can do when the pieces click. Wirtz was more involved, Isak finally got on the scoresheet, and Kerkez put in one of his best displays yet — energetic, disciplined, and determined.

Brentford FC v Liverpool FC – Premier League

The Road Ahead: Brentford and Beyond

Next up for Liverpool is a tricky trip to the Gtech Community Stadium to face Brentford. The Bees, now managed by Thomas Frank’s long-time assistant Brian Riemer, have been inconsistent this season but remain a dangerous side on home turf.

Adding an extra layer of intrigue is the presence of Caoimhin Kelleher in goal for Brentford — a familiar face for Liverpool fans. The Irish shot-stopper left Anfield over the summer in search of regular football, and there’s little doubt he’ll be eager to impress against his former employers.

Slot knows that maintaining momentum is key. Liverpool can’t afford another domestic slip-up, especially with Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham all flying high in the table.

For Kerkez, the upcoming run of fixtures offers an opportunity to silence his doubters. A strong showing against Brentford could be the start of a much-needed turnaround. The young full-back has the pace, the technical ability, and — crucially — the backing of his manager.

“He’s got a great attitude,” Slot said. “He wants to learn, he wants to improve, and that’s exactly the kind of player we want at Liverpool.”

A Test of Patience and Belief

Liverpool’s history is full of players who took time to settle before becoming legends. From Fabinho to Robertson himself, the club has seen plenty of stars struggle early on before finding their feet. Slot’s message to Kerkez — and perhaps to the fans — is simple: trust the process.

It’s easy to forget how young Kerkez is, and how rare it is for a 21-year-old to immediately thrive under the weight of Liverpool’s expectations. But with Slot’s steady hand guiding him, and a dressing room full of leaders around him, the odds are still firmly in his favour.

If there’s one thing Liverpool supporters value, it’s fight — and Kerkez, by all accounts, has plenty of it.