Jurgen Klopp praised the effective movement displayed by Darwin Nunez during Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Southampton on Saturday afternoon but recognised this was far from being a perfect collective display.
Nunez was twice on target at Anfield to take his goalscoring tally for the season to nine in all competitions, in what was arguably the most convincing outing yet from the Reds’ summer signing.
The Uruguayan striker put Liverpool 2-1 up against the Saints after controlling a floated through ball played by Harvey Elliott before slotting into the bottom right corner of the goal. Key to this finish was the forward’s intelligence to drop deeper before making his move to attack the ball, ensuring he did not stray offside.
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Equally impressive was the desire shown by the 23-year-old to connect with Andy Robertson’s low cross into the box before half-time, sliding in at the near post to complete his brace.
Reflecting on the performance of Nunez and the rest of the Reds' team, Klopp said: “The first half was really good and the second half was not. We made a lot of mistakes in the second half. First half, we did everything Southampton didn’t want us to do: we used the speed of Mo and Darwin, the spaces between the lines and our football skills. The first goal was a set-piece and there was then a sensational pass from Harvey and the movement from Darwin was really important.
“In the system we play, Darwin has to defend the left-wing but in other situations he has to be more in the centre. That’s where he was at that moment [for his first goal] and with the third goal as well. The main problem was that we didn’t do that in the second half as well. The first ball we played in behind during the second half - that’s it. We didn’t offer the runs anymore.
“It is an intense season, especially for the front three, but when we use this skill set, we can create a lot of space for us to play football. In the second half we became too passive in defending and the last line didn’t push up when we played out. It was too much green space until they faced our last line and they then had their moments. When Southampton ends up three times in a 100 percent chance in our six-yard box, something went really wrong. We know that.”
Liverpool achieved their aim of tasting victory in their final fixture before the break for the World Cup, which begins in one week. Preparations will now begin to ensure those staying behind remain in peak physical condition, minimising the risk of further injuries during a season which has so far been hindered by players suffering repeated setbacks.
“A big part of the problems we have had this season are physical: players not available, then available and playing too often,” admitted Klopp.
“We have had 21 games, and that is a lot of football, especially when you are not on top of your physical things. We knew for around two weeks that 22 points was the maximum we could achieve and that’s what we did today. I am really happy about that and it’s the basis we have now with the World Cup coming. I pray and hope they all come back healthy. With the other boys, we can have a proper pre-season where we can work together, train together and use that. Then the most difficult part of the season starts. From here, we will try to go again.”
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