Jurgen Klopp has issued a plea of patience over Liverpool’s club-record signing Darwin Nunez, as he believes that the Uruguayan is “still adapting” to life at Anfield.
What’s the word?
That is according to a tweet shared by the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano, who has relayed Klopp’s comments on the forward.
Taking to his personal Twitter channel, Romano stated: “Klopp: ‘We have to be patient with Darwin Nunez, he’s still adapting. It’s really important in our situation that he isn’t worrying, and Darwin doesn’t look like he is worrying.’
‘New players come in and we want them to shine immediately, ofc [of course] — but we are calm’.”
No worry for Liverpool
Two goals and one assist in seven appearances for Liverpool is by no means a startling return for a striker who has endured a stop-start introduction to life at Anfield so far.
The past five games in all competitions may have seen the Uruguayan international go a total of 190 minutes without scoring, although the red card against Crystal Palace in August was the catalyst of this lean spell.
Of the three Premier League games that Nunez missed, one of those was against Bournemouth, which proved to be an example of modern day obliteration as the Reds cruised home with an emphatic 9-0 win, courtesy of Roberto Firmino’s five goal contributions in the form of two goals and a hat-trick of assists.
The Brazilian’s resurgent form, which saw him score another brace against Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton at the weekend, has hindered Nunez’s playing time as of late. With Liverpool struggling as they are, we may see Klopp stick to his regular options in order to build some much-needed momentum.
That said, there should be no doubt that a striker who scored 26 goals across 28 games in the Portuguese top flight last term will eventually find his feet at Anfield, especially under Klopp, who seems to be easing him back in to the fold.
There should be no great concerns over the 23-year-old, with Klopp issuing a plea of patience for a player who he firmly believes will come good.