Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has come out in staunch support of struggling striker Darwin Núñez, insisting the Uruguayan international is not lacking in self-belief despite his barren run in front of goal. Núñez, who joined the Reds in a club-record £85 million deal last summer, has managed a paltry two Premier League goals in 15 appearances this season.
The 25-year-old’s last league strike came way back in early November against Aston Villa, sparking rumors that Liverpool could be open to offloading their misfiring marksman. Reports from the Middle East suggest Núñez has emerged as a shock target for cash-rich Saudi Pro League clubs, although Liverpool have yet to field any formal January bids.
Slot Dismisses Núñez Confidence Concerns
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s crucial clash with Brentford, Slot was quick to shoot down suggestions that Núñez’s barren spell was down to a lack of confidence. “It is not my perception that he’s struggling with self-confidence,” the Dutch tactician told reporters.
“He was involved against Accrington Stanley for the first goal, he was involved against Fulham in the goal [Diogo] Jota scored and he scored one against Southampton. After that, he didn’t have many starts. For me, it’s the life of a striker. Sometimes you score, sometimes you don’t.”
– Arne Slot on Darwin Núñez
Slot highlighted that despite Núñez’s individual struggles, Liverpool have only failed to find the net in two games all season, demonstrating the team’s overall potency in attack. The former Feyenoord boss backed his No.9 to rediscover his scoring touch, adding “Darwin will score his goals like he did for this club already. I don’t see him struggling that much.”
Jota Fitness Doubt as Núñez Set to Return
Núñez’s anticipated return to the starting XI against the Bees has been further bolstered by fitness concerns over in-form Diogo Jota. The Portugal international, who scored within 22 seconds of coming off the bench in the midweek 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest, is a major doubt for the trip to West London.
“Jota felt a little niggle during half-hour he was in [against Forest], he could finish the game but he was complaining [about it] after it. That’s why he didn’t train on Thursday,” Slot revealed. “It’s not sure that he will be available for tomorrow.”
Slot Confident Despite Spending Gap
With Jürgen Klopp’s future increasingly uncertain and Champions League qualification hanging in the balance, Slot maintained Liverpool have the quality and tools to remain competitive in the Premier League despite operating on a vastly inferior budget to the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea.
“We know how good we have to be every single day to compete in this league. It is not about this club [City], Chelsea have also spent £1.2 billion, Manchester United have spent an incredible amount. Every team spends a lot of money over here, that’s why it is such an interesting league to be a part of. That’s what makes it so intense and so difficult to win this league.”
–Arne Slot on the Premier League spending gap
Only time will tell whether Núñez can repay Slot’s faith and rediscover the scintillating form that convinced Liverpool to shatter their transfer record. The Reds faithful will hope the Uruguayan puts an end to the exit rumor mill sooner rather than later by doing what he does best – putting the ball in the back of the net.
Key Takeaways
- Arne Slot insists Darwin Núñez is not lacking confidence
- Speculation mounts over Núñez move to Saudi Arabia
- Diogo Jota doubtful for Liverpool’s trip to Brentford
- Slot backs Reds to compete despite huge spending gap
