Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez admits some advice from Jürgen Klopp helped him overcome his critics after a mixed season at Anfield. Núñez found the net 18 times in all competitions but ended the season among Klopp’s substitutes.
He managed just one goal in two months in the Premier League, and that was a fortuitous one in the win over Sheffield United. Amid the slump in form, Núñez was the subject of harsh abuse on social media, leading to him deleting Liverpool-related content from his pages.
The Uruguayan admits he has previously been affected by negative comments but had the perfect response during the dramatic win over Nottingham Forest back in March.
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Núñez had been targeted with ‘s*** Andy Carroll’ chants throughout the match at the City Ground before he popped up with a last-gasp winner, much to the delight of his manager.
Speaking to Por la Jersey (via Liverpool World), he said: “In that game, the Nottingham fans were singing to me, but I didn’t understand anything, thank goodness. I ended up scoring the goal [in the final minute], and then the coach in the locker room said ‘screw them’.”
The striker also spoke out on the negative comments he has received, insisting he now simply ignores them and tries to focus on his game instead. He added: “From the moment you start playing and until you retire, there will always be someone who will criticize you.
“Before, I did look them a lot and it affected me. Whoever says that those negative comments do not affect them is lying, those negative comments that are directed towards you will always affect you. But now I ignore those comments because they are of no use to me.”
Núñez fueled transfer speculation with the changes to his social media pages but he looks set for a prominent role next season. According to The Telegraph, he is regarded as a ‘key player’ by incoming boss Arne Slot.
Liverpool.com says: Despite seemingly not clapping Klopp on the final day, it is clear that Núñez has great respect for his outgoing boss, who gave him a shot in the Premier League. Klopp has continued to support the striker and will hope Slot can get the best out of him next season.