Jurgen Klopp Explains What Has Made a “Big Difference” for Darwin Nunez

Liverpool have been on a roll lately, winning their sixth consecutive match. After the game, manager Jurgen Klopp explained what has made a “big difference” for Darwin Nunez. Here are five key points from the manager’s post-match press conference.

Klopp Explains the “Difference” in Nunez

Nunez has been a half-decent start to life in England, with 15 goals in 42 appearances. However, he struggled to gain a regular starting spot last season. He has now started two consecutive matches for the first time this season and is growing into Klopp’s team.

The boss explained why he is performing more often, saying: “Massive steps in the last few weeks, he’s a threat. His goal was pretty good, right? He was strong, always available. The defensive work he puts in now, that’s the main difference. Really good.” This backs up what Klopp was saying last season about pressing being the “ticket” into the starting XI.

Klopp on What Has “Cost” Endo

Wataru Endo clearly has qualities that can help Liverpool throughout the season. However, he hasn’t yet shown them and Klopp half-joked that his politeness has “cost” him.

“Super guy, very calm, very polite. That cost him the first two weeks maybe! He is everyday improving,” Klopp said. “He will help us a lot, he will play and start games. But he is all good, he’s a super important part of the squad and I am happy we have him.”

What Changed at Half Time?

Klopp explained that the way Liverpool played changed at half time. “They didn’t get into challenges anymore,” he said. The goal they scored was a long ball behind that Andy Robertson couldn’t put offside. At half time, they looked it back and realized they should react in the centre earlier. The boss also added Liverpool were “much better in possession” after the break.

The “Most Important Thing to Learn” from the Game

Liverpool have looked to their substitutes in recent weeks to win them points, and Sunday’s match was similar. Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo both contributed when they came on, prompting Klopp to say: “The boys who came on had a super positive impact. Yes it’s a goal of Diogo, but I really thought when Cody came on, he looked really, really good. This is the most important thing we can learn besides the three points obviously. This is how we have to deal with the situation, we have to use them all.”

Joel Matip with a Super Performance

Matip hasn’t been at his best this season, but today he dealt with Michail Antonio brilliantly. Klopp said: “It’s a key moment in the game when he chipped the ball there. I don’t know how often in the past we suffered when he couldn’t control the ball. Today, he headed once or twice and immediately the chaos starts. He did that really well.”

Overall, it was an impressive performance from Liverpool with Jurgen Klopp highlighting what has made a “big difference” for Darwin Nunez and what has “cost” Wataru Endo. He also discussed what changed at half time and the “most important thing to learn” from the game as well as Joel Matip’s “super performance”. Remember to subscribe to This Is Anfield on YouTube to watch every LFC press conference in full.