A defeat that stings, but a direction that holds

Milos Kerkez has been refreshingly honest about where Liverpool are right now. The left-back admits the squad still has "a way to go" before they truly get to grips with what Andoni Iraola demands of them, and after a 3-0 home defeat to Manchester City on Sunday, that candour feels both timely and necessary. It was the new head coach's first loss in charge, and it arrived with a sting: Ryan Gravenberch's controversial dismissal changed everything just past the hour mark.

Kerkez, who worked under Iraola for two seasons at Bournemouth before joining Liverpool last summer, has more context than most when it comes to understanding what the manager expects. His read on where things stand is measured rather than alarmed. "The style of play right now, we are running a lot, playing more aggressive, more front-footed, and all the players are buying into his philosophy," he said. "Of course, there is still a way to go and a way to improve but I think we are on the right track."

On the City defeat specifically, Kerkez was clear that the result flattered nobody. "We were really disappointed after the game. We competed really well for 60 minutes, and after that what happened happened. A lot of people, including us as players, had a feeling but at the end of the day results are what matter. It wasn't ideal but we move on."

Second year, new comfort, familiar gaffer

If there is one Liverpool player who ought to feel settled as this demanding schedule gathers pace, it is Kerkez. A second season at Anfield, a manager he already knows inside out, and a growing sense of belonging that was not quite there during the settling-in period of his debut campaign. "I am more settled now. It is my second year. I was adapting more last season. It's all development. Obviously, I knew the gaffer for a long time at Bournemouth. I feel a lot more easy," he said.

That familiarity with Iraola's methods could prove significant as Liverpool navigate a period that is testing the depth and resilience of the entire squad. Wednesday's Champions League fixture against LASK in Linz is the second match in 29 days, and it arrives with a frightening injury list stripping the side of key personnel. Kerkez did not dress that up. "It's a bit tough. Games are coming quick but we are professionals. We have to take recovery very seriously. We have a squad and we have quality. Young players are also helping us a lot. You don't have much time to train and prepare for the next game."

Szoboszlai's fitness clouded ahead of Brentford

Among the absentees in Austria is Dominik Szoboszlai, who missed the City match with a hamstring problem and remains a doubt for Saturday's Premier League trip to Brentford. Kerkez was asked directly whether his fellow Hungarian will be available and gave an answer that was honest rather than diplomatic. "I don't know if he is fit. But I know Dom and he doesn't like to be out long, he wants to play every game and will want to play Saturday."

That tells you something about the character in the dressing room even if it tells you nothing definitive about the teamsheet. Liverpool will have a clearer picture on Szoboszlai's availability once the medical staff have assessed him properly after Wednesday's European outing. Whether he makes Brentford or not, the Reds need points, and they need them fast.