- Klopp says Nunez must defend better
- Liverpool on tour in Singapore
- Uruguayan scoring freely
WHAT HAPPENED? The Uruguay striker's first season at Anfield wasn't a bad one, notching 9 goals and 3 assists in 19 Premier League appearances. However, his performances were far from electric, and he struggled to hold down a regular place in the starting line-up. According to Klopp, the 24-year-old will need to improve his defensive game if he wants to change that.
WHAT THEY SAID: "The ticket into the team will be the readiness to defend," Klopp said in a press conference. "I’ve never heard about a team being really successful with sloppy defending. It doesn’t happen."
The Liverpool boss was clearly impressed by Nunez's efforts in his debut campaign at Anfield, however, adding: "He was good, you can see he’s a handful, speed, typical goal scorer being there, smelling it and finishing it off. 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."
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Nunez's form during pre-season has been excellent, with the Uruguayan scoring four goals in three games, including one in a 4-0 rout of Leicester. There is intense competition for places in Liverpool's attack, but Nunez is making a strong case for his inclusion in the opening match of the season against Chelsea.
AND WHAT'S MORE: Nunez isn't the only player impressing during pre-season for Klopp's team. World Cup-winning new signing Alexis Mac Allister is adjusting to life at Liverpool quickly, playing a key creative role in recent games against Leicester and Greuther Furth. The £35 million signing from Brighton could be exactly what's needed to boost the team's underperforming midfield.
IN TWO PHOTOS:
WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL? Continuing on their tour of Singapore, Liverpool's next match will be against German champions Bayern Munich on 2 August. And the start of their 2023-24 Premier League campaign is now just two weeks away. Klopp and his players will be determined to improve on last season's disappointing return.