Klopp says ‘incredible’ Liverpool star was ’embarrassed’ about big mistake

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Jurgen Klopp has hailed Darwin Nunez’s ‘incredible potential’ and admits the Premier League newcomer was ‘embarrassed’ to pick up a red card on his Liverpool home debut against Crytsal Palace in August, speaking to the Liverpool Echo. 

With four goals in his last four starts – including fine headers against both West Ham United and Ajax – the big-money summer signing from Benfica is slowly beginning to silence those doubters.  

That reckless red card against Palace, showcasing the sort of hot-heatedness usually associated with compatriot Luis Suarez, feels like a long time ago now; Nunez channelling his emotions in a more positive manner while giving Klopp a completely different threat in the final third. 

“Darwin came here after a short break, flew straight to Asia, didn’t speak English, (with) new team, and the price. Then everyone judges straight away,” Klopp explains, highlighting the pressure his £64 million man found himself under following that summer arrival from Portuguese fotball.

“He started well; scored vs (Manchester) City and Fulham, then (picked up a) red card. He was embarrassed. His confidence was knocked.” 

Darwin Nunez is now finding his form at Liverpool

Nunez, don’t forget, was plying his trade in the Spanish second tier just two years ago. The 23-year-old has come a long way in a very short time. And he’s hardly the first young player to endure a sluggish start to life in arguably Europe’s most competitive league. 

“He’s involved in a lot, a lot of finishing moments. It was a great month for him,” Klopp adds; Nunez mustering six goals in just seven starts across all competitions. 

“Darwin is so exciting but he has to stay fit and be available all the time. We work on all different areas and the potential is incredible. Speed, attitude, a real worker; it’s all possible to develop and learn. It’s really exciting.”

Liverpool host Jesse Marsch’s out-of-sorts Leeds United at Anfield on Sunday. They will hope to bounce back from the damaging 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest last time out; a game Nunez missed through injury.