Jurgen Klopp Tells Darwin Nunez What He Needs to Do to Earn a Spot in the Team Next Season

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has told striker Darwin Nunez what he needs to do to earn a spot in the team next season after the Uruguayan netted his fourth goal of the summer in the Reds’ 4-0 win over Leicester in their third friendly of pre-season.

Nunez opened the scoring after 30 minutes, with goals from teenagers Bobby Clark and Ben Doak, and Diogo Jota following. Speaking after the game, Klopp explained that a “readiness to defend” will be the key to Nunez staking his claim for game time next season as he battles with Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah and Jota for a place within the front three.

Nunez Has Been in Fine Goalscoring Form This Summer

Nunez has been in fine goalscoring form this summer having registered four goals in just 135 minutes of pre-season football. Klopp added that all of his forwards will be required to do their bit away from goal if they are to secure a regular spot up front next season.

“It’s the same for Darwin and all the other strikers. I know all about the quality they have and they need to do both, defend and be influential in all offensive situations,” he continued.

The Competition for Places Will Be Intense Next Season

The competition for places will be intense next season with the embarrassment of riches Klopp has up front, but the early signs are that the Uruguayan is capable of putting himself firmly in the picture.

“He was good. You can see he’s a handful – speed and a typical goal scorer, being there, smelling it and finishing it off. In training, he looks really good. Being fit helps. Now, two more games and then Chelsea and we’ll see.”

The Reds now turn their attention to Bayern Munich on Wednesday before returning to England to wrap up their 2023/24 preparations at Deepdale against Darmstadt on August 7. It remains to be seen whether Nunez can continue his impressive form and earn a regular spot in the team next season, but Klopp’s comments suggest that he knows what he needs to do to make it happen.