Arne Slot admits uncertainty over £40m signing after early substitution in 1-0 win
Milos Kerkez was withdrawn after 38 minutes following a yellow card; manager says he could not be '100 percent' sure the left-back would avoid a second booking
Arne Slot said he could not be “100 percent” sure Milos Kerkez would avoid a second yellow card after the Liverpool manager substituted the £40 million left-back 38 minutes into a 1-0 win at Burnley on Sunday.
Kerkez, who joined Liverpool from Bournemouth in the summer as a long-term successor to Andy Robertson, was booked early in the first half for diving — a decision referee Michael Oliver and replays upheld — and was withdrawn before half-time with Robertson introduced in his place.
"It was because he got a yellow card," Slot said when explaining the move. "I think the fans here thought a chance for them to win the game is if we ended up with a second yellow. With Milos I can never be 100 percent he doesn’t make the next foul, then the fans are on top of the referee." Slot added that he believed Liverpool's biggest risk in the game would have been going down to 10 men.
The decision to remove Kerkez will be watched closely by supporters and club staff. The 21-year-old Hungarian was signed from Bournemouth to succeed Robertson at left-back but has already attracted public criticism from Slot this season. After the season opener against Bournemouth, Slot said Kerkez was "playing every duel as if his life depends on it," raising questions about recklessness in defensive duels.
Robertson performed well after coming on and will be determined to reclaim the starting role he has held for years. Slot faces a selection decision ahead of Liverpool's first Champions League group-stage match of the season against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
The match at Turf Moor remained tight after Kerkez's early exit. Burnley were reduced to 10 men in the 84th minute when Lesley Ugochukwu was sent off for a second bookable offence. Liverpool pressed for the winner and won a penalty in stoppage time when Hannibal Mejbri raised his arm to block a Jeremie Frimpong cross in the box.
Mohamed Salah converted the spot kick to seal a 1-0 victory, preserving Liverpool's unbeaten start to the season. Salah had an otherwise quiet evening but stepped up in the decisive moment to convert from the penalty spot.
Slot's public comments underscore manager-level concerns about Kerkez's discipline and decision-making in high-pressure situations. Liverpool's coaching staff will need to balance the club's investment in the young fullback with short-term defensive stability as they prepare for European competition and a congested schedule.
Kerkez now must respond in training and future appearances if he is to establish himself as Robertson's long-term replacement. For now, Slot's cautionary substitution and comments have made the left-back position a live question heading into midweek's Champions League fixture.