Liverpool’s manager Jurgen Klopp reportedly was the driving force behind the signing of Darwin Nunez, but it was against club wishes.
The £64M signing has hit an inconsistent start that’s included goals, a red card and time out of the side – but it is extremely early days for the forward.
Signing a six-year deal means he is seen as a long-term mainstay in this team and it will take time for the former Benfica striker to fully reach his potential in a Liverpool shirt.
But since Klopp pushed for the signing, the pressure is on – both for Nunez to succeed but also for the team to succeed as well – which makes this a tough situation for Klopp to guide his team through.
Suits you, @Darwinn99 🥶 pic.twitter.com/CSqqV3l7FI
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 5, 2022
Klopp ignored club to sign Nunez
But Spanish newspaper El Pais has claimed that Liverpool’s owners were left “perplexed” when Jurgen Klopp dismissed any concerns over Darwin Nunez this summer, with his staff also echoing that the purchase was a “huge risk.”
It also claims that the striker’s lack of ‘cognitive abilities’ displayed in both training and games is a real concern. The outlet goes on to say that Nunez undertook exercises during pre-season that measure mental speed.
Despite an indifferent start, he’s been backed by former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez to succeed on Merseyside.
“I also think he will score a lot of goals for Liverpool and that he provides them with a different dynamic to Roberto Firmino. He needs a little time and Liverpool just need a goal to boost their confidence. I don’t see a team struggling with major issues.”
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Y6sFUHLq3Q[/embedyt]
Nunez’s strange start
Having arrived for a huge fee of £85M, it’s safe to say big things were expected from Nunez. Especially after scoring his on his debut against Manchester City in the Community Shield.
He managed a goal against Fulham on the opening day in the 2-2 draw but had a moment of madness against Crystal Palace which saw him receive a straight red for headbutting Joachim Andersen.
The feeling at the moment is that Nunez is still settling into the team as well as the players around him learning how to play with the Uruguayan. He needs a real run in the team to fully bed in, but given that Diogo Jota has returned from injury – he may face a battle to start.
Jota gives them a familiar feel to their attack, as he is similar to what Sadio Mane was when he played down the centre last season. It’s likely Nunez will have to just take his chance when it comes and really force his way into the side otherwise the pressure will mount on him and Klopp – who was the leading power in the signing in the first place.
