Liverpool manager, Arne Slot, has refuted claims that striker Darwin Núñez was left out of the squad for their win against West Ham due to a disagreement at the training ground.
Slot clarified on Sunday that the Uruguay international was absent from the 2-1 victory at Anfield because he felt unwell during training a day before. Despite this, Núñez sat behind the substitutes throughout the game. This led to widespread speculation that his omission might have been for disciplinary reasons, especially considering Slot's previous criticism of his work rate in matches against Wolves and Aston Villa in February.
In response to these speculations, Slot confirmed that Núñez would be part of Liverpool's squad for their upcoming match against Leicester on Sunday. A victory in this match could secure them the Premier League title if Arsenal loses its game against Ipswich.
Alleged heated exchange
When asked about an alleged heated exchange between Núñez and a member of his coaching staff during Saturday’s training session, Slot cleared all airs with his straightforward answer.
Arne Slot, Liverpool manager, said:
“No, he didn’t,”
“He did leave the pitch because he didn’t feel himself.” As in, he was ill? “As in he didn’t have words with a staff member.”
According to Slot, preparations for Liverpool's big summer have already begun with securing Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah for another two years. Van Dijk had previously hinted at "a big summer" awaiting Liverpool before he followed Salah in signing a new two-year contract. Retaining these world-class talents is seen as fundamental by Slot who believes it will cost around £90m.
However, questions remain over Trent Alexander-Arnold's future with Liverpool as he is yet to recommit despite being offered a deal by Real Madrid.
Future squad improvements
Liverpool is expected to target a centre-forward and a young left-back in the summer. However, Slot believes that not many improvements are needed for a squad on the verge of winning the Premier League by some distance.
Slot also expects Alexander-Arnold to return from an ankle injury for the match against Leicester, further bolstering Liverpool's chances of securing victory.
While there have been rumors about internal disputes within Liverpool's squad, coach Arne Slot maintains that these are unfounded. With key players returning and new contracts being signed, Liverpool is looking forward to a promising summer and potential Premier League victory.
