Darwin Nunez’s dismal start to the 2024–25 season has prompted Arne Slot to deliver an ultimatum.
The striker, who cost the club a record £85 million when he signed two years ago, has fallen short of expectations ever since he joined. Although it didn’t seem to be the case thus far, there had been hope that Slot could have been able to bring the best out of him at Liverpool.
Nunez has only been played off the bench by new manager Slot this season and has not started a game for the Reds.
In response to a question on Nunez’s requirements to return to the starting lineup for Saturday’s match against Bournemouth, Slot said, “He needs the same as all the others, work really hard and the goals will come.”
“He did exactly that against [AC] Milan; he entered the game for the team, which led to goals or assists for the attackers. You’ll get them [goals and assists] if you play for a side like Liverpool, like it was with Cody Gakpo.”
“It’s the labor you do without the ball, in my opinion. We play a lot of games, he becomes fitter and fitter every day, and he will soon have his moment. He is gradually learning what we want from him. However, he has competition from Diogo [Jota], who has achieved success.”
Nunez played for 20 minutes on Tuesday night in Milan, and although the Uruguayan was occupied at the forefront of the attack as expected, he did not have an impact on the game.
In contrast, Gakpo did make an impact on the match; during his season-opening start at San Siro, the Dutchman recorded an assist.
“His game might’ve come from anger [after being previously left out], but you don’t need anger to play in the best possible way,” Slot said about the effect his colleague made after joining the team.
“You have to give it your all whether you play once a week or once in a while. I believe he gains from two factors. First, his unique skill as a player is well known.”
“And he gains from the guys surrounding him, the group, the routine, and the opportunities he has to score. That was an excellent performance, but the guy with whom he is competing also gave some excellent performances.”
The match this weekend against Bournemouth is Liverpool’s best opportunity to bounce back from their home loss to Nottingham Forest the previous Saturday. On Saturday afternoon at 3pm, the action starts from Anfield.
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