Arne Slot recently expressed his amazement at Darwin Nunez’s impressive fitness, as the Uruguayan striker played the full 90 minutes during Liverpool’s intense 2-2 showdown against Arsenal. Reflecting on Nunez’s performance, Slot admitted he was “surprised” by the forward’s stamina, especially since Nunez has not been a consistent starter this season. Nunez’s campaign thus far has seen him largely in a supporting role behind Diogo Jota, as Slot has often preferred the Portuguese forward in Liverpool’s starting lineup.
The narrative, however, took an unexpected turn when Jota suffered an injury in Liverpool’s clash with Chelsea last week. This situation saw Nunez being called off the bench, seizing his chance to shine not only in the Chelsea game but also in the following matchups against RB Leipzig and Arsenal. Against Leipzig, Nunez delivered the winning goal, and his momentum continued against Arsenal, where he provided a crucial assist for Mohamed Salah’s equalizer. Yet, for Slot, it wasn’t just the striker’s goal involvement that stood out; it was Nunez’s relentless energy and dedication throughout the match.
Slot explained that it was this high level of fitness that convinced him to keep Nunez on the pitch. “If you keep on going, you need to be fit enough to compete,” the Liverpool manager remarked, emphasizing how impressed he was with Nunez’s ability to endure three consecutive, demanding fixtures, including travel for European games. Slot noted that despite limited game time earlier in the season, Nunez demonstrated remarkable endurance and a high work rate, traits that earned the manager’s admiration.
Slot also observed how Liverpool had to adopt a deeper defensive posture during the first half due to Arsenal’s dominance. However, he clarified that this approach wasn’t a tactical decision so much as a necessity, driven by the quality of Arsenal’s play. “They dominated us without creating many chances, which forced us to play deep,” Slot explained, praising Nunez for adapting to the tactical demands and supporting his teammates defensively when needed.
Beyond Nunez, Slot took a moment to commend Ibrahima Konate for his defensive resilience against Arsenal. Konate, who often performs under the radar, delivered another strong performance that, in Slot’s opinion, deserves greater recognition. “For me, the one who stood out was Konate,” he stated, hinting that the French defender is inching closer to claiming a well-deserved “man of the match” title. Slot expressed his admiration for Konate’s consistent form, suggesting that he has quietly become a crucial figure within Liverpool’s backline.
When questioned about how he manages Konate’s fitness, Slot shed light on Liverpool’s elite performance and medical staff. He credited them for their role in keeping players like Konate in top condition, underscoring the importance of the support system Liverpool has in place. However, Slot emphasized that the final responsibility lies with the players themselves. “They have to do the work,” he said, explaining how Konate’s commitment to recovery routines, like ice baths, has contributed to his durability this season. Slot believes that while the staff plays a significant role, it’s ultimately up to players like Konate to make the personal sacrifices needed to stay fit and competitive.
As Liverpool continues its demanding season, Slot’s words highlight both his appreciation for Nunez’s surprising resilience and Konate’s consistency at the back. The manager’s insights offer a glimpse into the high standards and expectations placed on Liverpool’s players, both physically and mentally, as they strive to make their mark in one of the world’s most competiti
ve leagues.