Darwin Nunez is a man under pressure
Darwin Nunez is a man under pressure
Arne Slot believes Darwin Nunez may be trying too hard to get back among the goals and keep the fans happy.
The Liverpool striker has scored just three goals - two in the Premier League - so far this season. Nunez’s performance against Girona on Tuesday brought a raft of criticism as he missed big chances to put the Reds ahead in the Champions League game and then he disappeared out of the game in the second half.
But Liverpool head coach Slot’s real concern is around Nunez putting too much pressure on himself and is not worried about his performances ahead of today’s clash with Fulham.
Slot said: “Maybe it's because the fans support him so much maybe he wants it too much to score that goal for himself and also for the fans because they have been very supportive. All our players feel the support of our fans but he is definitely one of them.
[
Arne Slot offers theory behind Darwin Nunez's struggles for Liverpool](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/slot-nunez-liverpool-form-girona-34307897)
“Mo [Salah] is scoring so many goals he likes the support of the fans but doesn't really need it at the moment but what I like about special fans is they are not only supportive when it is going really well for a player but especially if he needs that support, that is what makes these fans of ours special in my opinion.”
Slot still has belief in Nunez coming good. Feyenoord No.9 Santiago Gimenez was revitalised under the Dutchman. Gimenez scored 21 goals in 105 games before arriving at Feyenoord to work under Slot and then netted 49 in 91 with the Dutchman in charge.
“That’s what we are expecting because we see his qualities,” Slot said on Nunez. “The fans have a lot of love for him, I heard something about social media criticism but he will not be the first player who gets criticism on social media!
Darwin Nunez of Liverpool
Girona was another disappointing night for Liverpool's No.9
"That is what happens if you miss one or two chances. If we had lost the game then it would be that my substitutions or line-up were not good… that is what social media is all about! If you win it’s all brilliant, if you lose it’s all s***!
"But Darwin has shown already that he is a goal-scorer. He is able to do so. In my opinion, it is a matter of time before he starts to score. But he is in competition with Luis Diaz, who can play as a No.9 as well, and Diogo Jota. It is not just the challenge of scoring goals but competing with others too.”
Liverpool will be looking to maintain their four-point lead over Chelsea this weekend when they host Fulham today. Jota could be back in the squad after two months out while Federico Chiesa has recovered from injury and illness to be involved.
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