Slot Expects More from Nunez After Work-Rate Concerns | OneFootball

Darwin Nunez Criticism: Arne Slot Demands More from Liverpool Striker

Liverpool’s head coach, Arne Slot, has doubled down on his criticism of Darwin Nunez, making it clear that the forward’s recent performances have fallen short of expectations. After being left as an unused substitute in the 2-0 victory over Manchester City, the £85 million striker is facing a crucial moment in his Liverpool career.

Unacceptable Work-Rate Concerns

Slot did not hold back when discussing Nunez’s lack of effort in recent matches, particularly in the 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. While the Uruguayan’s glaring open-goal miss grabbed headlines, it was his overall work-rate that truly frustrated the Dutchman.

“I helped him by saying you can miss a chance,” Slot said. “I wasn’t only hard on him. But for the second time in a row I wasn’t happy with his work effort, against Wolves and against Villa. I always try to be honest with my players and be honest as I can to you guys [the media] as well where I always try to protect my players so I don’t say he never worked hard.”

The concerns didn’t begin at Villa Park. Slot revealed that Nunez had also underperformed in the previous match against Wolves, an issue significant enough to prompt the public call-out.

Photo IMAGO

Liverpool’s Pressing Standards Must Be Met

Liverpool’s philosophy under Slot demands intensity, particularly from the front line. The high-energy pressing style that defined their success under Jurgen Klopp is a non-negotiable trait for Slot, and Nunez’s recent efforts failed to match that standard.

“But I can’t accept if a player doesn’t give everything,” Slot asserted. “That is clear. I can accept it once but twice was a bit too much. That’s why I addressed it. Not that I’m all of a sudden very angry with him. I don’t mind that he missed a chance, I’d have loved him to score it, and I know he will eventually score. But if you miss a chance, you need to be fighting for the team.”

Nunez, known for his relentless running and physical presence, has built a strong connection with Liverpool fans, largely due to his work ethic. Slot’s words suggest that it is this very attribute that he wants to see again from the Uruguayan forward.

A Positive Response in Training

Following his omission against Manchester City, Nunez appears to have responded positively in training. Slot acknowledged that the 25-year-old was affected by his costly miss against Villa but praised his attitude on the training ground.

“He was still down about it,” Slot admitted. “As much as I want the No 9 to be seen as working hard and do whatever is needed for the team, a normal No 9 is focused on goals. I can keep talking to him about work rate, work rate, work-rate, but he and any No 9 will always be disappointed if he misses a chance.”

Encouragingly, Slot confirmed that Nunez put in a strong training session, a sign that the forward is taking the criticism on board. “But yesterday [Monday] he was incredible in the training session when it comes to work rate. Hopefully he can keep doing this, and whenever the team needs him then he is ready for it if he keeps putting in sessions like he did yesterday.”

With Liverpool still in the thick of the title race, Nunez has an opportunity to prove his doubters wrong. Slot has thrown down the gauntlet—now it’s up to the striker to respond.