Liverpool fans made their feelings on Darwin Nunez clear on Sunday after Liverpool’s victory over Manchester City at the Etihad.
It’s been a tough week for the Uruguayan who missed a sitter against Aston Villa on Wednesday night and was an unused substitute at the Etihad as Liverpool extended its lead at the top of the table to 11 points.
Nunez also received criticism from his manager earlier this week following his response to the missed chance at Villa Park. “I would prefer him to score but the word 'chance' says it all — it's a chance, so it's not 100 percent sure that the ball goes in. Players miss chances, that I can accept,” said Arne Slot ahead of the trip to City.
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“But what was a bit harder for me to accept [was] his behaviour after that chance, and with behaviour I mean I think it got too much in his head where he wasn't the usual Darwin that works his [backside] off and makes sure he helps the team.”
Nunez also irked Liverpool supporters after the Villa calamity, with a number on social media indicating that it might be time for the club’s record signing to move on this summer. Indeed, several reports in the subsequent days have indicated that could be the case.
In response, Nunez posted and then deleted a social media post saying: “I was not the best three weeks ago, nor am I the worst now. If I fall, I get up. You will never see me throw in the towel. I will give it my all until the last day I am here in Liverpool. Resilience!”
Whatever the striker’s situation is with the Liverpool manager, or his popularity with the Dutchman, Nunez still has the backing of the club’s hardcore fanbase. In a clip posted by @asim_lfc on X after the City match, away supporters held back by Etihad stewards after the game, made their feelings clear and could be heard chanting Nunez’s name. He responded by clapping, giving a thumbs up and putting his hand on his chest.
While the video suggests the relationship between player and fans is still intact, it might not save his Liverpool career. The ex-Benfica man has netted six goals all season from 35 appearances and hasn’t started any of the last seven league matches.
In recent weeks, Slot has opted to play Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz - neither of whom would be considered traditional no.9s - through the middle, while against City he dispensed with a striker altogether and selected two floating no.10s. It doesn’t bode well for Nunez’s long-term future at the club.
