Arne Slot explains why Darwin Nunez was benched v Manchester City - 'I can't accept if a player doesn't give everything'

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Arne Slot has criticised Darwin Nunez's work rate, explaining he left the striker on the bench against Manchester City because of a lack of fight in their previous two games. Liverpool are top of the Premier League by 11 points but could be 13 clear had Nunez not missed a golden chance in their draw against Aston Villa. Slot said he "wasn't happy with his work effort" and had to address it.

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Liverpool manager Arne Slot has explained his decision to leave Darwin Nunez on the bench against Manchester City, saying he "wasn't happy with his work effort".

The Uruguay international missed a golden chance to score when Liverpool dropped points in a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa the game prior, and although Slot defended him afterwards, he said Nunez allowed his "disappointment" to affect his work rate.

Nunez was a second-half substitute against Wolverhampton Wanderers on February 16 and again at Villa, before he was left entirely on the bench for the league leaders' comprehensive 2-0 win over City last time out.

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"I helped him by saying you can miss a chance [against Villa]," Slot said, speaking ahead of his side's encounter with Newcastle at Anfield on Wednesday.

"I wasn't only hard on him. But for the second time in a row I wasn't happy with his work effort, against Wolves and against Villa.

"I can't accept if a player doesn't give everything. That is clear. I can accept it once but twice was a bit too much. That's why I addressed it.

"But if you miss a chance, you need to be fighting for the team. I'm not saying he didn't do that at all, but it wasn't the usual Darwin, the one that is loved by the fans. That is mainly because he always works so hard."

The 25-year-old has scored six goals in 35 appearances for Liverpool this season.

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Slot said that he was pleased with his progress in Monday's training, adding: "He was incredible in the training session when it comes to work rate.

"Hopefully he can keep doing this, and whenever the team needs him then he is ready for it if he keeps putting in sessions like he did yesterday."

Liverpool lead the Premier League table by 11 points with 11 games to go.

When is Liverpool v Newcastle?

Liverpool host Newcastle in the Premier League on Wednesday, February 26.

Kick-off is at 20:15 UK time, with live coverage on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+ starting from 18:30.

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Liverpool v Newcastle will be live on TNT Sports 1 with coverage from 18:30 UK time on Wednesday, February 26, ahead of kick-off at 20:15.

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