Darwin Nunez Responds To Criticism After Underwhelming Start To Liverpool Career

Liverpool new boy Darwin Nunez has responded after his performances against Manchester United and Crystal Palace during the club’s pre season tour led to criticism.

The 23-year-old made his Liverpool debut in the 4-0 defeat against United in Bangkok.

During his debut, he missed a huge chance after a shot from Mohamed Salah hit the post and bounced kindly in front of Nunez, but from about 10 yards out he managed to sky his effort into the crowd. 

In the game against Palace, he came on in the second half but again made unwanted headlines after missing another big chance.

The ball was played in from the right side by Trent Alexander Arnold, right into the path of Nunez but he produced an ‘air shot’ after the cross took a slight deflection. 

On the back of two unfortunate moments, rival fans have taken to social media to write off Liverpool’s new front man, with many fans branding Nunez as a ‘flop’ and a ‘waste of money’. 

Nunez has now responded by taking to Instagram and Twitter to hit back at his critics.

The striker posted a series of pictures on Instagram with the shush emoji and the emoji of a man cupping his ears. Whilst on Twitter, he captioned his pictures with “Resiliencia” which translates to Resilience.

Resiliencia 🤫 pic.twitter.com/e90QJAdpc7

— Darwin Núñez (@Darwinn99) July 15, 2022

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has defended Nunez, saying: “I’m not worried at all, the general judgement is absolutely nil interest [to us]. It will be like this, and we all know it.

“It's kind of a game or a joke for some people to pick out some situations where a player's not doing well. That's only a game from [fans of] other clubs, which is normal. Our fans probably do [the same] with signings of Manchester United. We cannot take this seriously.” 

Klopp on Nunez: “I am completely convinced about his potential. And actually what our people think, the Liverpool supporters in the whole world.”

Give him time. pic.twitter.com/YnWz7W4ZEB

— Anfield Edition (@AnfieldEdition) July 15, 2022

Nunez’s team mate Alexander Arnold is confident that the goals will come for the Uruguayan. 

He told LFCTV: “I’m sure we’ll be able to supply him with the ball to score goals. You can see he’s itching for that first goal, but I’m sure once it comes it will be like London buses.” 

“We’ll back him. Obviously out there today, playing with him, you know to start that No. 9 movement that he’s got, the runs that he makes, where he wants the ball.” 

The full back added: “It’s just about finding that connection and soon enough it’ll all be good for us.” 

Fellow new signing, Fabio Carvalho has been praised for his early performances, with many Reds fans comparing him to former midfielder Philippe Coutinho. 

Liverpool have now ended their pre season tour of Asia. Klopp’s side now have matches against RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg before the FA Community Shield clash against Manchester City, which will take place on 30 July.