Liverpool defender Milos Kerkez has revealed he was left stunned by Arne Slot's departure from Anfield, admitting he only discovered the news after being woken up by his brother while on holiday in Serbia.
Speaking to The Telegraph, the Hungary international explained that Slot's exit came as a complete surprise, with nobody close to him expecting Liverpool to part company with the Dutchman following the end of last season.
Kerkez was one of the players brought to Anfield under Slot and says he remained in contact with his former manager after the announcement.
Kerkez recalls unexpected wake-up call
The left-back admitted he had no indication that Liverpool were preparing to dismiss Slot before the news became public.
"I was surprised, yes. I really didn't know," Kerkez said.
He explained that he was asleep at home in Serbia when his brother woke him with the news.
"I was at home in Serbia and I was sleeping. My brother knocked on the door to wake me up."
"It was a huge surprise. Nobody knew about it. I couldn't believe it. I was just thinking: wow."
The comments offer a rare insight into how unexpected Slot's departure was, even for members of Liverpool's first-team squad.
Former Liverpool boss remains in contact
Despite Slot's departure, Kerkez revealed the pair have exchanged messages since the Dutchman's exit.
"I've been in contact with him since then. We've exchanged a few messages, nothing more."
Slot enjoyed an outstanding first campaign at Liverpool, guiding the Reds to the Premier League title. However, a more difficult second season ended with Liverpool finishing fifth and securing Champions League qualification before the club decided to make a managerial change.
The Reds have since appointed Andoni Iraola as their new head coach.
Iraola reunion offers familiar surroundings
While Slot played a key role in bringing Kerkez to Liverpool, the defender is no stranger to his new manager.
The pair previously worked together at Bournemouth, where Iraola helped accelerate Kerkez's development into one of the Premier League's most promising full-backs.
The 22-year-old praised the Spaniard's demanding coaching style and attention to detail, particularly when it came to defensive responsibilities.
According to Kerkez, Iraola consistently stressed that defending should remain a full-back's first priority, with attacking contributions coming afterwards.
That approach gave the Hungarian confidence to express himself higher up the pitch, knowing he had first fulfilled his defensive duties.
As Liverpool begin a new era under Iraola, that existing relationship could help Kerkez settle quickly into the Spaniard's tactical system ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Key Points
- Milos Kerkez says Arne Slot's departure from Liverpool came as a complete surprise.
- The defender learned the news after being woken by his brother in Serbia.
- Kerkez revealed he has exchanged messages with Slot since his exit.
- Arne Slot was the manager who brought Kerkez to Liverpool.
- Kerkez has previously worked with new Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth.
What's Next?
Kerkez is expected to play an important role under Iraola after their successful spell together at Bournemouth. With Liverpool entering a new chapter following Slot's departure, attention will now turn to how quickly the Spaniard can implement his ideas ahead of the start of the Premier League season.
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