Liverpool's new boss Arne Slot shares true Darwin Nunez feelings after pre-season chat

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has assured striker Darwin Nunez that he is central to his plans for the upcoming season.

Nunez ended last season on a dry spell, not finding the net in 10 games as fans started to become frustrated. Transfer talk was then fuelled as he erased all images of himself in a Liverpool kit from his Instagram, sparking gossip around a potential move to Barcelona.

Despite the transfer rumours, it seems a move is unlikely given Barcelona’s financial situation. Slot has spoken to Nunez at the Copa America, where Nunez has found the net twice in the last three matches, to reassure the Uruguay frontman of his importance in Liverpool’s squad.

Slot recognised Nunez’s versatility under former coach Jurgen Klopp and indicated where he envisioned him playing.

“I just told him that, from what I saw, he played multiple positions and what positions – or position – I see him playing,” said the Liverpool head coach. “I assume he’ll fit really well into this playing style because I like him. I’ve told him that already, he’s one of the players I’ve spoken to.”

While acknowledging his struggles in front of goal, Slot believes Nunez could slot comfortably into Liverpool’s playing style. “It’s clear for him which position he’s going to play. It’s clear for me as well and me telling him made it clear for him.”

Slot believes Nunez will be a key part of his attacking strategy for Liverpool. He first saw the Reds play live in February 2017 when they triumphed over Tottenham 2-0 at Anfield.

At that time, Slot was coaching Dutch club Cambuur Leeuwarden and was invited to Anfield by former Reds No. 2 Pep Lijnders and ex-sporting director Michael Edwards to scout Pedro Chirivella.

Liverpool’s victory over Tottenham marked the end of a five-match winless streak and helped them secure their first Champions League qualification under Klopp. Slot was particularly struck by the strong connection between the team and its supporters.

“I got a feel for the club,” he said. “It was before they won the Premier League and Champions League under Jurgen. Everyone was positive even back then without the team winning trophies.”

Slot is determined to carry on Klopp’s legacy at Anfield and lead the team to glory once more.

“Our aim should be that we want to win and be on top of the league,” he said. “We want to be there for 38 games.

“But to get in that position, it takes a lot of hard work on a daily basis to come in here and improve and improve and improve and improve. That’s what we have to do.”