'His problem is...' - Jurgen Klopp reveals why Darwin Nunez receives so much criticism
Jurgen Klopp has brushed off speculation linking Darwin Nunez with a summer exit and has revealed one major problem that the Uruguayan faces.
Liverpool's South American forward has come under fire over the past few months for his inconsistent displays and notable misses, with Klopp even choosing to drop the 24-year-old in recent matches.
As a result of his subpar performances, Nunez has been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer, with Barcelona one of the clubs touted with transfer interest.
Nunez only poured fuel on the fire last Sunday when he removed all Liverpool-related posts from his Instagram page after missing a big chance to score in the 4-2 victory over Tottenham.
The former Benfica forward has managed 18 goals and 13 assists for the Reds in all competitions this season, but he doesn't appear to be entirely happy at the club after a difficult period.
JURGEN KLOPP STATES DARWIN NUNEZ PROBLEM
Speaking before the clash with Aston Villa this Monday, Klopp insisted that there was no substance in speculation linking Nunez with an Anfield exit this summer.
"There’s no speculation [about his future] – that must be external speculation because I don’t know about it… I am not involved in that anymore but there is no speculation right now, it’s just the situation we are in," said the Liverpool boss.
"Yes, Darwin was definitely not happy missing that chance [against Tottenham]. He was unlucky – let me say ‘was’ because that could have changed now, probably – in so many situations where he is doing everything right and then the ball goes still not in, and that’s really tough for a young man. It’s really tough.
"He knows about expectations, he has big expectations on himself, that’s tough and you have to go through this. There is no alternative than going through it and that is what he is doing right now.
"We tried to help him with all we can but in the end, you have to go through it. Everybody had to go through this and this is part of a footballer’s career, that is all."
Klopp also admitted that Nunez does indeed have a 'problem' when it comes to criticism - but not for a bad reason.
"His problem is that he’s that good that he is constantly in these moments, so obviously if he was a little bit less good he would not have chances and people would just say, ‘He is not great,' said Klopp.
"It is because he is that good that he is in these moments where he can finish it off and now he’s not finishing off in the moment.
"So, it’s just because of his quality that he is constantly in situations where everybody thinks, ‘Again, again.’"