Darwin Nunez Explains Social Media Antics Following Liverpool Criticism | OneFootball

Darwin Nunez and the Social Media Strain at Liverpool

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has spoke to Uruguay’s Canal 10 about the severe impact social media criticism has had on his performance, prompting him to completely disconnect from the online noise.

Navigating Rough Waters

The Uruguayan international faced a challenging end to his season, finding the back of the net just once in his final 13 games. This slump saw him relegated to the bench, with Cody Gakpo taking his place in Jurgen Klopp’s plans. Despite the on-field struggles, it was the off-pitch battles with social media that disturbed Nunez the most. He admitted to Uruguay’s Canal 10, “From the moment you start playing and until you retire, there will always be someone who will criticise you,” highlighting the relentless nature of online scrutiny.

Emotional Toll of Online Criticism

Initially drawn to the world of likes and comments, Nunez confessed the adverse effects it had on his mental wellbeing. “I avoid reading those comments. Before I did look at them a lot and it affected me. Whoever says that those negative comments do not affect them is lying,” he shared. This honest admission reflects a growing awareness among athletes of the mental health impacts of social media.

Photo: IMAGO

To shield himself from the negativity, Nunez has now chosen to focus on the support of his family over the fluctuating opinions of the digital crowd. He remarked, “Now I’m not looking at anything, not even the good stuff. If a game goes badly for me, I rely on my family. I try to laugh with my family and not show my son the anger I have.”

Silencing Critics with Performance

Despite the harsh online environment, Nunez has managed moments of brilliance on the field, such as his decisive late goal against Nottingham Forest in March, which provided a brief respite from his critics. “In that game, the Nottingham fans were singing to me. But I didn’t understand anything, thank goodness,” Nunez recalled, finding solace in his ignorance of the chants. This goal was a stark reminder of his capabilities and why Liverpool invested in him.

Future Prospects at Liverpool

As Liverpool prepares for a new chapter under the guidance of Arne Slot, Nunez’s role in this transition is crucial. Although recent actions, such as removing Liverpool-related posts from his Instagram and an apparent snub to Klopp, have fuelled speculation about his future, the club remains committed to him. Nunez himself finds solace in international duties, “I feel like my home is when I am in the national team,” expressing a deep connection with his national peers.

This blend of professional highs and personal lows defines Nunez’s ongoing journey at Liverpool. As he navigates the turbulent waters of football fame, his story underscores the essential balance between public exposure and personal peace.

With 18 goals in 54 appearances this season, Nunez continues to show glimpses of the player Liverpool hoped they were getting. As he adapts to the demands of the Premier League and learns to manage the pressures of social media, the hope is that he will emerge stronger and more resilient, ready to fulfil his potential on the grand stage.