Jurgen Klopp has praised Darwin Nunez’s performance in Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Ajax, saying the forward had a “really good game.”
The summer signing made it 2-0 for the Reds with a beautiful header in the second half, but he really should have doubled their lead earlier after being squared the ball by Roberto Firmino. He hit the post from six yards out with the goal gaping.
Why Klopp said about Darwin Nunez’s performance
After the game, Klopp told BT Sport that neither he nor Nunez could understand why Firmino chose to pass the ball when he had the opportunity to score. He said:
“We had a tough half an hour where Ajax made a lot of pressure and did really well, and we needed to defend with a lot of passion in those moments but that’s fine – it’s an away game in the Champions League, that’s what can happen and you have to get through these phases.
“We obviously had our chances as well and then we scored a goal that was absolutely exceptional and after that a situation which probably explains Bobby Firmino in a nutshell because how can he pass that ball?
“I think Darwin was surprised as well, but it was a great situation and we could have scored there. 2-0 before half-time would’ve been great but then second half we had a really good start, scored two wonderful goals, and controlled the game from then on.”
When asked about Nunez’s chance, Klopp said: “Really good game [for Nunez]. He helped with defending and he played with a big heart.”
“For the club it’s important, for everybody it’s important and of course it gives a lift. We all feel great. Exhausted but great.”
