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

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.”

‘Disappointed’

Slot’s main concern with Núñez was a dip in his work-rate during the Girona match, which led to a rebuke from the Liverpool boss.

“Ideally, he would have scored a few more goals. But what should always be there is work-rate, and usually that is something he has—apart from two games,” Slot said.

“I told him yesterday that the last half-hour against Girona wasn’t up to the standard it should have been. That had a lot to do with him being disappointed after missing a few chances.”

Núñez’s position could come under increasing pressure with Diogo Jota and long-term absentee Federico Chiesa potentially returning to the squad for Saturday’s match against Fulham.

Chiesa, who joined Liverpool from Juventus in the close-season, has played just 18 minutes in the Premier League.

He has made only three appearances in all competitions for the Reds, who currently sit four points clear at the top of the Premier League as they chase their first title since 2020.

“Federico missed quite a lot of time and was ill last week, so we’ll have to wait and see how he is doing,” Slot said.

“But maybe Diogo will be in the squad, and maybe Federico as well. It depends on the numbers we have and how well he has recovered from his illness.”