Jurgen Klopp gives verdict on Darwin Nunez sending off against Crystal Palace
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has sent striker Darwin Nunez a strong message after the Uruguayan international’s red card in the 57th minute against Crystal Palace in the 1-1 draw on Monday night at Anfield.
Speaking in the post match press conference (h/t Liverpool Echo), Klopp called Nunez’s response a “wrong reaction”. Following repeated provocations from Palace’s Danish centre-back Joachim Andersen, Nunez stuck his head into Andersen’s chin, leading to him getting a direct sending-off.
“It was the wrong reaction in the situation. Andersen wanted that and he got it. But [Nunez] made a mistake. So we will talk about that but not yet.”
In Klopp’s seven years at Merseyside, Nunez became the first Liverpool player to get sent-off for violent conduct. The suspension comes at a time when the rest of Liverpool’s strikers are out with injury. Roberto Firmino was left out as a precaution following a knock while Diogo Jota is still recovering from a hamstring injury.
“There was provocation but it was definitely the wrong reaction. It was a clear red card. We cannot deny that. Unfortunately (he is out) for a few games now and that is not cool for us in our specific situation but that is how it is.”
Following his suspension, he will miss the derby against Manchester United at Old Trafford. In addition to that, he is also in line to miss the visits of AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle United. He will hope to be named in the line-up against Everton early next month.
Liverpool’s high line was very effective in the opening stages of the game with numerous chances created, a few of them with Nunez at the end as well. Palace forward Wilfried Zaha’s pace caught out the high-line on one occasion, leading to the Eagles taking the lead in the 32nd minute.
The early send-off in the second half made life a bit difficult for the Reds to get into top gear. In due course, Luis Diaz’ persistence saw him score a screamer from the edge of the box in the 61st minute. A flurry of chances came Liverpool’s way towards the end of the game as well. Mohamed Salah saw his shot just wide off the post in the 86th minute. Liverpool’s last chance came to young starlet Fabio Carvalho, who’s shot also went wide in the 90th minute.
Klopp rightly pointed out that Nunez made a mistake. The 23 year old should keep calm in testing situations, and think of the team as a whole. Premier League defenders will try to take advantage of his short temper and get under his skin.
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It will be interesting to see how the management copes up with Darwin’s suspension. With the rest of the forwards also sidelined, it will be a huge task at hand for the gaffer to play out a threatening front-three for the next few games.
