Carelessness At Aston Villa, Nunez Receives Spicy Criticism From Arne Slot

Darwin Nunez was criticized by Arne Slot after wasting Liverpool's golden opportunity against Aston villa (Instagram/@liverpoolfc).

JAKARTA - Liverpool manager Arne Slot said he had no objection Darwin Nunez missed an opportunity like at Aston Villa, but criticized the striker for his behavior on the pitch afterward.

Nunez squandered a great opportunity to give Liverpool a 3-2 advantage at Villa Park on Thursday, February 20, 2025, early morning WIB, when his left foot shot soared. In fact, the goal was open without guard.

Liverpool then had to settle for a 2-2 draw in the 26th week which had widened their lead in their Premier League standings to eight points from Arsenal.

However, these results gave the Gunners hope to get their distance closer because their 26th week match was only played on Saturday, February 22, 2025.

This isn't the first time Nunez - often backed up to play Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota this season - has mess up Liverpool's front line in front of goal.

However, Arne Slot insists he has no objection to the lost chances. The Dutch coach cared more about Nunez's way of responding after losing the chance to score.

"I prefer him to score, but word of view explains everything. It's an opportunity. So, not 100 percent sure the ball will come in."

"Players lose chances, I can accept that. However, what was a bit difficult for me to accept was his behavior after that opportunity."

"I think it affects his mind too much. He's not an ordinary Darwin who works hard and makes sure he helps the team."

"I think he was too disappointed after losing that chance. Maybe - we'll never know, we'll never know - why he's only a few," Slot said at a press conference on Thursday, February 20, 2025.

Arne Slot added that Nunez must follow midfielder Wataru Endo as an example.

"I've always really believed that it's always better to have a Watta (Wataru Endo) mindset."

"What I mean by that is that throughout the season, it keeps going, goes forward, and whenever we need it, it's ready."

"It's very difficult, not many players can do this. So, yes, it's not about chances, it's more about 20 minutes later (losing chances) when I want to talk to him, than about him missing the chance," said Arne Slot.

Apart from that, Liverpool will travel to Manchester City on Sunday, February 23, 2025, with Gakpo doubtful appearing after missing the match against Aston Villa.

Conor Bradley will miss the game due to injury, as will Joe Gomez who is absent for a long time after undergoing surgery on hamstring.

Arne Slot said the defender could return just before the end of the season.