Klopp Uses Lewandowski to Explain Darwin Nunez Struggles

• Jurgen Klopp used Robert Lewandowski as an example to explain Darwin Nunez’s struggles
• The German managed the Polish striker a decade ago for a brief period at Borussia Dortmund
• Nunez was a mega-money summer signing for Liverpool and is slowly adapting the lifestyle

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp recalled Robert Lewandowski’s early struggles as a young striker at Borussia Dortmund, as he likened the Poland international to Darwin Nunez.

This was taken as a subtle plea to fans to be patient with Nunez, who has made a fairly slow start to life at Anfield.

Since his £65-million transfer from Benfica, the Uruguay international has struggled to find consistency, especially with his goal scoring.

However, Klopp refuses to buy into the narrative that the club bought an average forward, as he recalled Lewandowski’s struggles when he was first introduced to German football.

Herve Renard: Saudi coach gives tips to France on how to stop Messi

Football

Lewa moved to Borussia Dortmund from Lech Poznan in 2010 and was also initially struggling for goals, scoring just eight times in his first year.

Notably, he was at times played out of position, as Klopp struggled to find a way to fully utilise his potential.

“I was sitting in a press conference and journalists, when I started playing Lewandowski, they asked me why [Lucas] Barrios was not playing,” Klopp said as quoted by Daily Star.

At that stage, Klopp stated, Barrios had scored 16 goals in the season and was number nine in the team. When he tried the Polish star in different positions, Lewa was not very happy.

“The Polish journalists were not too friendly with me because he didn’t play No 9, he played in a 4-2-3-1 at 10. I thought at that time, it made absolute sense to develop his game. So all different things. There are a lot of similarities to be honest."

What Modric told Ferdinand before Real Madrid move in 2012

Football

Lewandowski went on to become one of the top marksmen in world football, and currently has more than 500 goals to his name.

Meanwhile, Nunez continues to try to live up to his hefty price tag, and was once again guilty of missing some great chances in Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa.

So far this season, he has netted nine times across all competitions.

The 23-year-old will be hoping to make amends when the Reds host Leicester City on Friday, December 30.

United tipped for title challenge

Sports Brief also earlier reported on how former England international, Gabriel Agbonlahor has claimed that Manchester United can still win the Premier League this season.

The Red Devils have had a mixed start to the campaign under the tutelage of Erik ten Hag, who took charge of the club at the end of the season.

Ten Hag's charges are currently placed fifth in the standings, 11 points behind leaders Arsenal, who have been in sensational form.