Arne Slot said that he was the work percentage of Darwin Nunez in the past two Premier League competitions in which he participated “cannot accept”.
Nunez was a second half replacement in the 2-1 victory of Liverpool over Wolves and 2-2 draw with Aston Villa earlier this month, and missed an open goal in the last game.
The Uruguay International was on the couch again for the victory of Reds op Manchester City on Sunday, a victory that clearly sent them 11 points at the Premier League top.
It has again been a difficult season for Nunez, who has occasionally shown flashes of individual sparkle, but this period has largely been a disappointment for Liverpool.
Nunez has scored six goals and cut five assists in all competitions in all competitions, although only 16 of those trips have been from the start.
Since his first Premier League season in 2022-23, only Erling Haaland (80) and Ollie Watkins (64) have missed more great opportunities in the competition than Nunez (51).
Slot defended Nunez after his miss against Villa, but said that he allowed his “disappointment” to influence his working speed.
“I helped him by saying that you can miss a chance,” said Slot in his press conference.
“I was not only difficult for him. But for the second time in a row I was not happy with his effort, against Wolves and against Villa.
“I can't accept whether a player does not give everything. That is clear. I can accept it once, but twice was a bit too much. That's why I tackled it.
“If you miss a chance, you have to fight for the team. I don't say he didn't do that at all, but it wasn't the usual Darwin, the one who is loved by the fans.
“That is mainly because he always works so hard.”
Nunez's chance to shine for Liverpool will come against Newcastle United in Anfield on Wednesday, a side that he has had special joy since his move to Merseyside.
He scored a dramatic brace in a comeback victory on the Magpies in August 2023, a competition in which Virgil van Dijk was sent away in the first half.
Nunez also registered his joint target contributions (four, level with Brentford) against the Magpies during his time in the Premier League.
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