EPL: Liverpool boss defends Núñez amid goal drought, work-rate concerns News

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EPL: Liverpool boss defends Núñez amid goal drought, work-rate concerns

By Daily Sports Nigeria on December 14, 2024

Liverpool boss, Arne Slot, has insisted that Darwin Núñez remains an important part of Liverpool’s plans despite the struggling striker falling below “standard” during the Champions League win against Girona.

In the midst of a lengthy slump, Núñez has scored only one goal in his last 10 appearances and three in total this season.

In Liverpool’s victory over Girona on Tuesday, the Uruguayan international appeared increasingly frustrated after missing several chances.

Slot admitted he kept Núñez on the pitch for an extended period, before eventually substituting him in the 71st minute, in the hope he would score a confidence-boosting goal.

After receiving criticism midweek, Núñez posted on Instagram: “They are not all, they are some. Thank you Reds for your support, we are all still together.”

Slot believes the 25-year-old needs support from fans and team-mates to rediscover the form that made him a sensation at Benfica prior to his move to Anfield in 2022.

“All our players feel the support of our fans, but he is definitely one of them. Mo (Salah) is scoring so many goals, so while he likes the support, he doesn’t really need it at the moment,” Slot told reporters on Friday.

“We all saw the reaction to Núñez missing a few chances on Tuesday. Everyone needs an arm around them at times, whether from a team-mate, the fans, or their manager.

“But I’ve also made it clear to him that he is not judged only on goals. He is judged on the team performance, and he contributes to that with his work-rate and his pressing to win the ball back high up the pitch.”

Source Punch Ng

Posted December 14, 2024