Liverpool manager Arne Slot has called on Darwin Nunez to rediscover his usual high-energy performances, expressing disappointment over the striker’s work-rate in recent matches.
Nunez, who was a second-half substitute in Liverpool’s win over Wolves and their draw with Aston Villa, did not feature at all in the Reds’ 2-0 victory over Manchester City. While Slot had previously defended the Uruguayan after his costly miss against Villa, he admitted that the forward’s overall effort had fallen below expectations.
“I can accept a missed chance, but what I can’t accept is a drop in work-rate,” Slot said ahead of Liverpool’s upcoming match against Newcastle. “Against Wolves and Villa, he wasn’t at his usual level. I had to address it because that’s not the Darwin the fans love—his relentless effort is what makes him special.”
Despite recent struggles, Nunez impressed in training on Monday, with Slot describing his session as “incredible.” The Liverpool boss hopes the striker will respond positively and return to his hard-working best as the Reds continue their push at the top of the Premier League.
