22 September 2023 , 12:00
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Jurgen Klopp insists Darwin Nunez fluffing his lines in front of goal is not a huge concern - so long as he is in the right place at the right time.
Nunez, 24, endured mixed fortunes in his debut season at Anfield after joining Liverpool from Benfica in a club-record deal last summer, as he faced criticism over a number of missed chances. The Uruguayan international has already started this season off on a better foot, scoring three times in six outings, including a match-winning brace at Newcastle.
He added to that with a goal from the penalty spot in Thursday's win over LASK, again helping the Reds come from behind to earn a win, though he did see his earlier header saved from just three yards out. But Liverpool boss Klopp played down Nunez's missed opportunity and credited his never-say-die attitude for sparking his form into life.
Speaking after the 3-1 win in Austria, Klopp said: "He’s in a really good moment, he understands his only problem as a striker is if you don’t have chances. He’s getting chances and he is scoring goals, two of the most incredible goals I’ve seen in a long, long time against Newcastle, absolutely insane.
"Played a super game against Aston Villa, then had a little muscle issue in the international break. But he’s in a good moment, you can see that in training. For a striker it is important that even if you don’t score you play well, and try to keep going and everything will fall into place anyway, and that’s happening."
Jurgen Klopp's approach with Robert Lewandowski bodes well for Darwin Nunez
What is Liverpool's best front three? Have your say in the comments below.
Darwin Nunez scored Liverpool's equaliser from the penalty spot against LASK (APA/EXPA/AFP via Getty Images)Klopp has an abundance of riches available in the forward positions with Nunez vying with Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota for the central berth in the Reds' frontline, with Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah currently the preferred options on either flank. But Nunez looks to have crept his way up the pecking order after his exploits against Newcastle.
Klopp was able to ring the changes as Liverpool's Europa League campaign got under way, with new signing Ryan Gravenberch earning his first start alongside youngster Ben Doak and the returning Stefan Bajcetic. There were also starts for Caoimhin Kelleher, Wataru Endo and Kostas Tsimikas, though it took the introduction of several experienced stars off the bench to seal their opening victory.
The win means Liverpool still boast an unbeaten record from their first six matches in all competitions. Asked his thoughts on the new season, Klopp said: "I am enjoying it massively, from the first day we are back I enjoy it. I was really excited about the rebuild, about the boys, the new way, we decided last year we had to change a lot, but we wanted to change it for the good, (better) and not because we had to.
“So yeah I am really excited by it, but we are not there yet, we are far away still - we are so many things not we are many things already, a lot of exciting moments already, and I think that is a good start, not more. Absolutely ok for starters."