'I don't think I'm playing well' - Darwin Nunez admits Liverpool struggles as he reveals Jurgen Klopp 'calm' advice
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Updated 02/02/2023 at 22:49 GMT
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has accepted he needs to improve after an indifferent start to life at Anfield. Signed for a hefty £64 million from Benfica this summer, much was expected of the player. However, inconsistent performances so far have seen him come in for criticism but Nunez says he is aware of what he needs to do to get better. Nunez has scored five goals in 14 Premier League games.
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Darwin Nunez has admitted he has struggled in his first season with Liverpool but is determined to improve.
Nunez believes he can one day emulate compatriot and former Red Luis Suarez who was a hero on Merseyside during his time at the club.
The Uruguayan, who moved to Anfield from Benfica last summer, also revealed the advice and encouragement given to him by manager Jurgen Klopp as he continues to settle in England.
"He doesn't speak Spanish and I don't speak English,” Nunez told Sky Sports. “So we don't understand each other, but ever since I arrived at Liverpool, he has always given me confidence.
"I think he wants to see what he saw in Benfica. For example, in the games I played against Liverpool [in the Champions League last season], when I performed very well.
"I don't think I'm playing well at the moment, but I always want to improve. I try to improve every day.
"Klopp knows my strength is my speed, running into space. Also, he tells me that I need to be more calm when I'm playing, and that I need to move more.
“He tells me that I need that, and that I am a player with a lot of quality. So, that's more or less what he wants from me - and, of course, that I score goals.
"He has told me that I have to be calm in games when it comes to finishing. He wants me to take a second longer, because if I shoot with anger, or I rush it, then it will always go badly.
“He asks me to take an extra second, with calmness, and I will score."
Liverpool paid £64million up front, which could rise to £85m with add-ons, to secure Nunez’ signature in the summer with a lot of fanfare around his arrival.
However, his 10 goals in 25 appearances in all competitions, as well as a number of inconsistent performances and focus on his missed chances has thrust him into the spotlight.
With Liverpool struggling this season, the whole team has come in for criticism, with Nunez baring the brunt of it.
The player refuses to allow it to affect him, however, and is aware of what he needs to do to win people over. He cites Uruguay team-mate and friend Luis Suarez as somebody he looks to as an example of what he hopes to achieve.
Suarez scored 83 goals in 133 games over three-and-a-half seasons for the Reds, winning the Premier League golden boot in 2014 before moving to Barcelona.
Nunez says he speaks regularly to Suarez, who he sees as a mentor of sorts.
"It is a case of adapting," says Nunez. "Adapting is important - and not only here at the club. Things have to be good on the football side, but also with your family, because if your family is OK, then you will always be OK. My family and I are good.
"Obviously, I still have many things to work on - for example, my finishing. But I think the same thing is happening to me as happened to Suarez. In his second year, he tore it up.
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Darwin Nunez
Image credit: Getty Images
"Something similar happened to me already at Benfica. The first year went very badly for me and in the second, I exploded.
"Here, I think the same thing is happening. I hope next season will be like that. I'll put my best forward and hopefully I'll get a bit of luck.
"Of course, it's always helpful to speak with Suarez," added Nunez.
"For me, he is an idol. He is a great example. In the national team, I now have a much better relationship with him.
"We are always talking and he is always giving me advice. I always try to keep in touch with him.
“I ask him a lot of things because he was at this club and he has a lot more experience than me. He is an important player to give me advice and explain things to me."
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