Jurgen Klopp reveals what is holding Darwin Nunez back at Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool are working 'massively' to help Darwin Nunez improve his English and acclimatise to the Premier League after his move from Benfica last summer.
The Uruguay international has displayed flashes of brilliance during his first season at Anfield, netting 15 goals in all competitions for a struggling Reds outfit.
However, there has been the odd negative moment, including a red card against Crystal Palace in one of his first games, and his finishing has been criticised.
"Darwin is a player with a different skillset to our other players – which is good," Klopp said. "He’s a real handful, a machine. He will score a lot of goals, and he’s scored a decent number already. But of course he’s still adapting.
"His English still isn’t great but we’re working on that massively. It’s not helpful to go through a debut season when it’s difficult for the whole team. How can a striker shine when the whole team is struggling? It’s not impossible but he’s had some super moments.
"He was injured in some moments, suspended in other moments. That’s not a problem at all. This is a long-term product. I understand that he wants to play desperately from the beginning but we have to find a way that really works for us again.
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"I am completely fine with the situation. I understand that Darwin isn’t always fine. He doesn’t smile in my face when he realises he won’t start and says: 'Thank you, boss!' But when you have five or six players available up front you have to make decisions.
"That’s good. The door is miles open. He came on the other night and was exceptional. It was exactly the right way. With five games in the next two weeks, Darwin will start games – definitely."
Nunez will likely be in action when Liverpool host Nottingham Forest on Saturday.