Liverpool left-back Milos Kerkez has told his teammates they must take recovery more seriously after a sluggish 0-0 draw with Fulham, admitting the side were not at full intensity following their midweek exertions against Atlético Madrid.
Kerkez, who started on the bench and replaced Kostas Tsimikas at half-time, pointed to the physical toll of recent fixtures as a key factor in the below-par display at Anfield.
“It’s tough when the physical outputs that every player had against Atlético is very high – we really fought during that game,” Kerkez said. “Before that we had Ipswich away, an intense game also, then you have to play against Fulham that likes to play, that likes to move you and you have to run a lot.
“It’s tough but I think it’s more mental, a more mental thing in the head, and you have to take recovery very seriously at this level.
“We were not 100 percent I think in the duels and winning those balls, they won a lot more. Yeah, it’s normal, and that’s why I say every player has to take recovery very seriously and has to focus.”
The Hungarian international stressed that squad depth and mentality remain non-negotiable at a club of Liverpool’s stature, regardless of minutes played.
“When you come in, doesn’t matter how much minutes you play or if you start, if you don’t start, you have to come and fight for the club, for the badge and that’s what I try to do every time I step on the pitch.
“I think everyone has to have mentality like that because, like I say, we play for Liverpool and we need to be 100 percent on the same page and fight for each other.”
Liverpool’s recent schedule has been demanding: an intense away win at Ipswich, a hard-fought Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid in midweek, followed by the home draw with a well-organised Fulham side. Kerkez’s comments underline the fine margins at the top of the Premier League, where recovery between matches can decide whether a team maintains its edge in duels and transitions.
The Reds will now look to reset quickly as they prepare for the next fixture, with recovery protocols and mental freshness high on the agenda after Kerkez’s candid assessment.
