Arne Slot Criticizes Darwin Núñez’s Reaction To Missed Chance

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed his disappointment with striker Darwin Núñez’s behaviour following a crucial missed opportunity during the team’s 2-2 draw against Aston Villa on Wednesday. Despite the Reds extending their Premier League lead to eight points, Slot believes Núñez’s reaction to the missed chance had a negative impact on his performance for the remainder of the game.

In a news conference on Thursday, Slot addressed the incident, stating, “I would prefer him to score, but the word chance says it all. It’s a chance, so it’s not 100% sure that the ball goes in. And players miss chances, that I can accept. But what was a bit harder for me to accept was his behaviour after that chance, I think it got too much in his head. He wasn’t the usual Darwin that works his a– off and makes sure he helps the team.”

Núñez, who has often been benched in favour of Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota this season, had a golden opportunity to give Liverpool a 3-2 lead at Villa Park. However, with an open goal at his mercy, the Uruguayan striker blazed his left-footed shot well over the bar. Slot believes that Núñez’s disappointment in missing the chance affected his performance for the next 20 minutes, stating, “I think he was too disappointed after missing that chance, and maybe — we will never know, we will never find out — that’s why he was just a fraction short.”

The Dutch coach urged Núñez to follow the example of midfielder Wataru Endo, who consistently maintains a positive mindset and readiness to contribute to the team. “The moment afterwards, I always truly believe that it’s always the best to have Watta’s mindset,” Slot said. “And what I mean with that is that for the whole season, he keeps on going, keeps on going, and whenever we need him, he’s ready. And that is very difficult, there are not many players that can do this. So, yeah, it’s not about the chance for me, it’s more about the 20 minutes afterwards where I want to talk to him, than about him missing a chance.”

As Liverpool prepares to face Manchester City on Sunday, they will be without the injured Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez, who is set to be sidelined for a “long time” after undergoing hamstring surgery. Slot said that Gomez could potentially return “just before the end of the season.” Additionally, Cody Gakpo remains a doubt for the clash after missing the game against Aston Villa.