Darwin Nunez has returned to Liverpool’s starting lineup against Everton after he received a red card in Liverpool’s Premier League Matchday 2 clash against Crystal Palace. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has reacted to the return in a somewhat sarcastic manner, saying that he gave him slaps in the neck after the incident and hoped he would learn.
Liverpool star striker and new signing from Benfica showed his short nerves when Liverpool clashed with Crystal Palace on Premier League matchday two fixture. After a disappointing 2-2 Premier League opener at Craven Cottage, the Merseyside club hoped to get all three points against Patrick Vieira’s men. Patrick Vieira’s men gave Jurgen Klopp a stiff opposition in the game.
The Magpies turned out to be a tough nut to crack, blocking off the Reds’ goal attempts, and were also dangerous on the counter. Zaha tore Anfield in the 32nd minute with a superb strike into the far corner, burying it low to give the visitors the lead. It was a turning point in the game.
Although Luiz Diaz scored a brilliant and sensational personal goal in the second half to draw the game for the hosts, Liverpool’s null attempts on goal left highly-rated former Benfica ace Darwin Nunez frustrated.
In a very awkward moment in the 57th minute, Crystal Palace defender Joachim Anderson pushed Nunez from the back; Nunez immediately responded by turning back and headbutting the defender, who fell to the ground. Referee Paul Tierney had no option. He brought out a red card, and Nunez was sent off from the game; hence, Liverpool were reduced to ten men.
Nunez missed Liverpool’s 2-1 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford and a 9-0 thrashing of Bournemouth at Anfield.
He will return in Liverpool’s Derby clash against Everton after missing two matches.
Ahead of the game, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reacted to Darwin Nunez’s return. When asked whether he is optimistic about not seeing his star striker sent off again. Klopp broke the reply with humor saying that Darwin Nunez may not escape the Red mist in his career as a player, but he is sure that he will not get a red card again against Everton.
Klopp noted that he had no scruples starting Nunez in Goodison Park amid the booings and jeerings he may likely receive from spectators after returning from a three-match ban.
“Will it never happen again? I don’t know, but I am pretty sure nothing will happen in the next game,” Klopp said. “He is a wonderful young man, honestly, but he has emotions as well. We didn’t speak for the full 15 days to him about it, telling him, ‘you have to calm down.’ Of course, we told him. Now, especially.”
Klopp also revealed his approach and interaction with Nunez during his three-match ban.
“The time he was out, we tried to give him some extra input physically as well as tactically. He looks really settled now, even more than before”, Klopp revealed.
“All the time when I gave him a high-five I gave him a slap on his neck as well, just so he doesn’t forget [that he was suspended]. That can stop now.”
In one of the most heated and contested derbies in English football, Liverpool clashes with Everton at 12:30 on Saturday 3rd September 2022. Darwin Nunez will be expected to put his sordid start behind and live up to expectations.
