“Be mentally resilient”- Arne Slot tells Liverpool players to learn from Endo

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot gives his verdict on the miss from Darwin Nunez against Aston Villa and demands his players have the mentality of Wataru Endo. Slot revealed that he accepted the miss from Nunez, given the number of match-winners the Uruguayan has scored before.

However, the Dutch head coach also highlighted the behaviour of his forward after the miss that he deemed unacceptable. Nunez missed an open-goal chance provided by Dominic Szoboszlai to earn Liverpool three points against the Villans on Wednesday.

Afterwards, the Uruguay international received another opening but his sprint was cut short by a fantastic Emiliano Martinez tackle. Nunez failed to pass the ball to the legendary forward Mohamed Salah at that moment, who was parallel and free.

Social media quickly criticized the 25-year-old forward and highlighted his post-match behaviour, bringing more scrutiny towards the Uruguayan forward. Online fans caught Nunez laughing with Martinez after the game and the forward left the pitch dejected without paying tribute to the away fanbase.

Speaking in the post-match press conference (via Liverpoolfc.com), Slot highlighted the post-miss behaviour of the Uruguayan as the disappointment of the miss led to a series of wrong decisions. He said:

“I can accept every miss, especially from a player that has scored two very important goals against Brentford, that’s scored for us in the home game against Villa. I would prefer him to score but the word ‘chance’ says it all – it’s a chance, so it’s not 100 per cent sure that the ball goes in. Players miss chances, that I can accept. But what was a bit harder for me to accept [was] his behaviour after that chance, and with behaviour I mean I think it got too much in his head where he wasn’t the usual Darwin that works his [backside] off and makes sure he helps the team.”

Slot used Endo as the example for Nunez and the rest of the Liverpool players. The Dutchman highlighted that not many players have the mental fortitude to maintain focus irrespective of the adversities. He added:

“I think he was too disappointed after missing that chance and maybe – we will never know, we will never find out – that’s why he was just a fraction short [in] the moment afterwards. I always truly believe that it’s always the best to have Wata [Wataru Endo]’s mindset and what I mean with that is that for the whole season he just keeps on going, keeps on going, keeps on going and whenever we need him, he’s ready. That is very difficult, there are not many players that can do this. It’s not about the chance for me, it’s more about the 20 minutes afterwards where I want to talk to him about than about him missing a chance.”

The key difference in mentality within the squad

Slot uses a vastly different tactical approach than the former manager Jurgen Klopp who bought Endo as the defensive midfielder. While both coaches use the same philosophy, the tactical difference is the reason Endo has struggled to make consistent appearances.

Slot prefers a defensive midfielder of a different profile which is the reason for the rise of Ryan Gravenberch. Nevertheless, Endo has won Slot over just like he won the Liverpool fans’ hearts with his humility, commitment and professionalism.

The 31-year-old compartmentalizes personal desires with what is essential for the team and for the collective good. Endo has always delivered for Liverpool, irrespective of the amount of game time he receives or where he is utilized.

The Japanese’s incredible mental resilience and ability to make an impact earned him Carlsberg Player of the Match against Wolves. Liverpool fans voted Endo as the Player of the Match despite his 20-minute cameo against the Wanderers, helping in victory.

Meanwhile, Nunez has a history of letting the toxicity of the online fanbase and media get the better of him. The Uruguayan international loses his focus and retaliates negatively, often hurting his supporters and well-wishers in the process.

Liverpool fans have always supported the 25-year-old Uruguayan but even many of his ardent supporters are struggling to defend him. Nunez is not a flop as he has contributed decently in his three seasons at Liverpool, often scoring dramatic matchwinners.

However, the threshold at a club like Liverpool is very high, particularly due to the money they spent on Nunez. That is the reason why the Uruguayan is not a hit either and those big misses are taking a toll.

Liverpool fans will continue to support Nunez as long as he wears the red jersey but Slot’s take highlights that neither his head coach nor the fans will let his disappointments ruin the collective ambition that everyone has set.

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At the same time, Slot’s assessment goes for everyone within the squad who suffers from a similar lack of mental resilience. Liverpool faced a late drop in form last season as they have faced a slightly similar struggle in recent games.

That lack of mental resilience is the primary factor for such habitual inconsistency. For playing at a club like Liverpool, a player cannot have a great few months, they need to have that consistency throughout the season.