Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp launched a concerted defence of under-fire striker Darwin Nunez after speculation about his future escalated.
Following Sunday’s 4-2 win over Tottenham, the Uruguay international, who missed a relatively-simple one-on-one with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario after coming on as a substitute, deleted all pictures of him playing for Liverpool from his Instagram account.
That led to increased conjecture about the 24-year-old, who has enjoyed a mixed couple of seasons since joining from Benfica for a potential club-record £85million transfer fee.
But Klopp believes the forward’s goals – he has 33 in 94 appearances – and assists do not give a fully-rounded picture of his contribution.
“It must be external because I don’t know about this. There is no speculation right now, it’s just a situation we are in,” he said.
“Darwin was definitely not happy missing that chance. He is unlucky, let me say that. He was unlucky in so many situations where he is doing everything right but the ball still doesn’t go in.
“That’s really tough for a young man. He has big expectations on himself. There is no alternative than going through it, that’s what he’s doing right now.
“We try to help him with all we can but you have to go through it, everyone has to go through this. That’s part of a footballer’s career.
🎯 Nunez 🎯 pic.twitter.com/fwRP5E5Zk1
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 15, 2024
“All his problem is that he is that good, he is constantly in these moments. If he was less good, he would not have chances. People just say, ‘That’s not great’.
“How many goals did he score? He is not too bad with numbers right. Eighteen goals (in all competitions). They are not bad numbers.
“Because of his quality everyone says, ‘Ah, again, again’ because we did not score. If somebody else would have scored in that moment and it would not have felt that bad.
“Nobody likes it but it’s part of a career.”
Klopp will be on the touchline for the penultimate match of his Liverpool career and will have to ensure he does not get booked if he does not want to be banned for his farewell game at Anfield.
However, he is confident he can manage that.
“I know that already for a long time. We could turn it around and say I only got two yellow cards – some of my colleagues got suspended, right? I got calmer over the years, obviously,” he added.
“I don’t need to (be on the touchline for the last day) but it would be cool that I could do that. It will not be from my side, I will try absolutely everything to try not get involved in any kind of discussions.”
Reds supporters will have the opportunity to be part of a special farewell to Jürgen Klopp ❤️
‘An Evening with Jürgen Klopp & Special Guests’ at M&S Bank Arena will take place on Tuesday May 28, alongside a host of famous faces from the world of sports and entertainment ⤵️
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 9, 2024
The club have announced a farewell question and answer evening with Klopp at the MS Bank Arena in Liverpool for fans to say their goodbyes.
“I had a lot of evenings with Jurgen Klopp. I’ve no clue what happens that night,” he said.
“I assume it will probably be good. No pressure on the people organising it but it would be nice if it could be a little bit funny. John Bishop is there right? Then there’s a good chance it will be funny.”
Liverpool’s former sporting director Julian Ward, who only left the club last summer, is to return as technical director for owners Fenway Sports Group.
Ward will be reunited with predecessor Michael Edwards, who was appointed FSG’s football chief executive a couple of months ago.
Benfica’s sporting director Pedro Marques is to join as FSG’s director of football development.