Darwin Nunez has been encouraged by Liverpool manager Arne Slot to put in significant effort to reclaim his place in the starting lineup.
Since Slot took over from Jurgen Klopp, Nunez has not started a match this season, managing only 84 minutes of action across four games, which has resulted in no goal contributions.
This lack of playing time has raised questions about his consistency, as he has scored 33 goals in 100 appearances since his record £85 million transfer from Benfica in 2022.In a recent press conference, Slot stressed the importance of hard work for Nunez to secure a spot in the team, drawing comparisons to teammate Cody Gakpo.
Gakpo made a strong impression in his first start of the season during Liverpool’s 3-1 Champions League victory over AC Milan, demonstrating how dedication and effort can lead to success. Slot remarked, “The same as always the others. Work really hard and then the goals will come.
He highlighted that players like Gakpo, along with established stars like Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah, and Diogo Jota, would find scoring opportunities through teamwork and commitment on the pitch.Slot noted that success for attackers is often linked to their work off the ball, stating that he is confident Nunez will eventually find his scoring touch.
He reassured that Nunez is becoming more familiar with the team’s expectations as he continues to train and improve. However, Slot acknowledged the fierce competition for places, particularly with Diogo Jota, who has been performing well.
When asked about Nunez’s confidence, Slot dismissed the idea that he might be struggling. He pointed out that Nunez returned from the Copa America with renewed confidence and has consistently been a goal-scorer throughout his career.
He remarked, “Darwin always has confidence and he has every right to have this confidence.”In addition to discussing Nunez, Slot provided updates on the squad, confirming that goalkeeper Alisson is a doubt for the upcoming match against Bournemouth due to a hamstring injury.
The decision on whether to risk Alisson will be made closer to the match day, underscoring the challenges of managing player fitness in a demanding schedule.
Overall, the message is clear: Nunez has the opportunity to reclaim his place in the lineup, but it will require hard work and commitment to meet the team’s expectations.
