Arne Slot recently expressed his admiration for Darwin Nunez’s remarkable fitness after the Uruguayan striker played the full 90 minutes in Liverpool’s intense 2-2 draw with Arsenal. Slot admitted he was “surprised” by Nunez’s stamina, particularly given that he hasn’t been a regular starter this season. Nunez has mainly played a supporting role behind Diogo Jota, whom Slot has often preferred in the starting lineup.
The situation shifted when Jota sustained an injury during Liverpool’s match against Chelsea last week, leading to Nunez coming off the bench. He seized the opportunity to shine, not only in the Chelsea game but also against RB Leipzig and Arsenal. Nunez scored the winning goal against Leipzig and provided a key assist for Mohamed Salah’s equalizer against Arsenal. However, for Slot, it was Nunez’s relentless energy and commitment throughout the match that truly impressed him.
Slot noted that it was Nunez’s high fitness level that encouraged him to keep the striker on the field. He remarked, “If you keep on going, you need to be fit enough to compete,” highlighting Nunez’s ability to handle three demanding matches in a row, including travel for European games. Despite having limited playing time earlier in the season, Nunez showed impressive endurance and work rate, which earned Slot’s admiration.
Slot also mentioned that Liverpool had to adopt a more defensive stance in the first half due to Arsenal’s strong performance, explaining that this was more a necessity than a tactical choice. “They dominated us without creating many chances, which forced us to play deep,” he said, praising Nunez for his adaptability and willingness to support his teammates defensively.
In addition to Nunez, Slot praised Ibrahima Konate for his solid defensive performance against Arsenal. He noted that Konate often goes unnoticed but deserves greater recognition. “For me, the one who stood out was Konate,” Slot said, indicating that the French defender is approaching a well-deserved “man of the match” accolade. He expressed admiration for Konate’s consistent form, suggesting he has quietly become a vital part of Liverpool’s defense.
When asked about managing Konate’s fitness, Slot acknowledged the role of Liverpool’s top-tier performance and medical staff in keeping players like Konate in shape. However, he emphasized that the players themselves bear the ultimate responsibility. “They have to do the work,” he stated, pointing out how Konate’s dedication to recovery methods, such as ice baths, has helped him maintain his fitness this season. Slot believes that while staff support is crucial, it ultimately falls on players like Konate to make the necessary personal sacrifices to stay competitive.
As Liverpool navigates a challenging season, Slot’s comments underscore his appreciation for Nunez’s surprising resilience and Konate’s steady performances. His insights reflect the high expectations placed on Liverpool’s players, both physically and mentally, as they aim to excel in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.
