Klopp hails last-gasp hero Nunez after Liverool star targeted by City Ground boo-boys
Jurgen Klopp hailed Darwin Nunez’s last-gasp winner in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat of Nottingham Forest as the perfect response to the City Ground boo-boys.
Nunez marked his return from a three-game injury layoffbyheadinghomealexismac Allister’s cross in the ninth minute of added time.
As Nunez stepped off the bench in the second half, a section of Forest fans chanted: “You’re just a s*** Andy Carwas roll”, in reference to the Uruguay international’s pony-tail, whichissimilartotheoneworn by the former Liverpool striker.
Klopp, who claimed the win was among his side’s biggest of the season, said: “It’s such an important goal, which gives you three points. It’s always super-decisive and, especially for him, super-deserved.
“Before people start singing that song more often, it’s the bestwaytoimmediatelycalmit down.buttheycansingitifdarwin responds like he did today. Before that he had really good moments. (He forced) a sensational save off the goalie, he
immediately in the game.”
When asked if Nunez understood the song, Klopp added: “I understood it. Yes, I think he understandsit,sothat’sthebest answer.”
Forest were incensed by referee Paul Tierney’s decision to hand the ball to Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher after halting play while the home side were in possession for an apparent head injury to Ibrahima Konate shortly before the visitors’ winner.
Home players and staff surrounded Tierney at the final whistle–coachstevenreidwas shown a red card – while Forest
later dismissed reports that club owner Evangelos Marinakishadtoberestrainedbysecurity staff in the tunnel.
Managernunoespiritosanto refusedtocommentontheincident, but could not hide his disappointment.
Anthonyelangaspurnedforest’s best two chances, foiled in afirst-halfone-on-onebykelleherbeforefiringnarrowlywide from Harry Toffolo’s cross after the interval. “Not only that, it was the final pass, in the right moment,” Nuno said. “We will keep trying. We will repeat on thetraininggrounduntilweget it right.”