Liverpool boss Arne Slot defends misfiring Darwin Nunez as Reds look to stay ahead of Arsenal, Man City

Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes the responsibility for Darwin Nunez’s current goal drought lies with both the player and the club, Soccernet.football reports.

Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace, Slot defended Nunez, who has struggled to find the back of the net this season, scoring just once, in a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth.

That goal was his first for Liverpool since April.

Slot acknowledged Nunez’s recent difficulties but pointed out that the Uruguayan striker has only started three matches this season, suggesting that limited game time may be a factor in his lack of form.

“I think it’s the challenge we as a staff always have to bring the best out of the individuals,” Slot said at his pre-match press conference.

He also highlighted the need for Liverpool’s coaching staff and the team to adapt to Nunez’s style of play.

“So we try to find different ways of positioning Darwin from Diogo (Jota) because they are not the same players, so their teammates also adjust to the player they are playing with,” Slot explained. “And that’s also what I as a manager have to do and also what we are doing.”

Nunez had the ball in the net against Bologna in their 2-0 Champions League win, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Slot emphasised that when chances are created, Nunez can finish them: “When we bring him the chances he’s able to score. But unfortunately, we couldn’t bring him that much in a position.”

Despite Liverpool’s impressive start under Slot, with eight wins from nine games, the manager urged caution as the team sits atop the Premier League, one point clear of Manchester City and Arsenal.

“These players are experienced enough to understand the league table after six games,” Slot said, referencing key players like Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who have previously won the league and Champions League with Liverpool.