Darwin Nunez says the language barrier between him and Jurgen Klopp means that Liverpool coaches have had to translate instructions during a “difficult” start to his Premier League career.
The Uruguay striker, 23, has gone almost five hours without a goal for his new club after scoring on the opening day of the season following his £64million move from Benfica in the summer.
Nunez has explained his difficulties adapting to England and says he would have little idea of Klopp’s tactics without the help of assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders and Victor Matos from the backroom staff.
“Well, we don’t talk much. I don’t know English and he [Klopp] doesn’t know Spanish,” told TNT Sports Brasil. “[Pep and Vitor] are the translators when Klopp talks to the group. They sit next to me and explain what I have to do.
“If they didn’t explain it to me, I’d enter the field with no idea what to do. But the relationship with the coach is that he supports me, gives me confidence and I have to repay that on the field.”
After starting his Liverpool career with goals in the Community Shield and against Fulham on his Premier League debut, Nunez’s progress stalled after a red card against Crystal Palace and subsequent three-match ban.
“The truth is that it was a little difficult to adapt but I believe that as training and games go by I will adapt little by little,” he said.
“[After the red card] was a very tough time. I was suspended for three games, I know I made a big mistake and now I’m aware that it won’t happen again.
“I have to calm my nerves during the games, talk less. We all make mistakes and I know it will serve as a learning experience.
“The important thing is to leave my mark on the team, someone who can always contribute by playing well and, if I don’t score, I have to be calm.
“When the first one goes in, more will go in. I’ve been through that (goal droughts) and it’s a little uncomfortable because, in the end, as forwards we live on goals.
“But I’m calm, the coach has always supported me. My team-mates also support me at all times and I will always try to help the team by scoring goals or, even without a goal, try to help the best I can.”
