Darwin Nunez inspires Liverpool teammates with English motivation, addressing Jurgen Klopp’s concerns
Darwin Nunez has undeniably dedicated himself to improving his English during the summer break, as recently surfaced footage showcases the Uruguayan forward inspiring his Liverpool teammates in their pre-season preparations.
The 24-year-old striker, who joined the Reds from Benfica last summer in a club-record £85 million deal, had previously expressed his desire to learn the language.
In August, Nunez stated, “Over time, I’ll strive to learn English, enabling better communication with my English-speaking teammates. I genuinely want to learn English.”
“Finished holiday now guys, come on”
Darwin with the motivation IN ENGLISH 😍
Ready 💪 pic.twitter.com/RRNbWwcPbH
— 🇧🇷The Redmen TV🇧🇷 (@TheRedmenTV) July 9, 2023
However, a few months later, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp publicly urged the Uruguayan goal-scorer to grasp the language, emphasizing the significance of improved overall communication within the squad.
Klopp remarked in April, “His English is still not great, if it exists at all, which is not helpful. How can a striker shine if the team is struggling? But we’re working on it [his English]. This is a long-term project, and he is determined to play.”
What is evident is Nunez’s tremendous progress in English proficiency in recent months. On the very first day of pre-season testing at Melwood, the Uruguayan international conversed in English on multiple occasions.
Initially, he greeted manager Jurgen Klopp fluently, saying, “How are you?” Nunez’s question was met with Klopp’s response, “I’m good, you?”
Without hesitation, Nunez replied, “Good, good, thank you.”
Darwin Nunez is too funny 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/VgBzhg3j2i
— Jack Soutar (@JackSoutar04) July 8, 2023
Shortly after this brief exchange, the former Penarol striker was heard motivating Joe Gomez and Joel Matip before their participation in the rigorous lactate test.
Gomez’s surprised reaction upon hearing Nunez say, “Finished holiday now, guys… Come on!” was priceless.
Social media users wasted no time in sharing their reactions to the video clip.
One user expressed, “I have never been more invested in a player’s success at this club than Nunez. So, this is great to see. He has a massive season ahead,” while another wrote, “The way Gomez is genuinely shocked that he’s speaking English is priceless.”
A third commenter remarked, “There’s something hilarious about Darwin now knowing English and going around training, making sure everyone knows he can speak it.”
A fourth individual stated, “To progress from having little to no English skills to this level within a short period demonstrates his determination. The Premier League isn’t prepared for him next season; my guy is going to excel.”
A fifth comment added, “While it might seem basic, it appears that Nunez has gone above and beyond in his language course. From Klopp’s interview, where he mildly criticized Nunez’s lack of progress, to this, it’s clear he possesses the right attitude for success.”