Jurgen Klopp has shot down any rumours over Darwin Nunez’s future amid links with Barcelona following a bruising week for the Uruguayan where he deleted all Liverpool-related posts from his Instagram account.

Nunez suffered from a barrage of abuse after a disappointing run of form reached a nadir last Sunday when he put in a sub-par cameo in the win over Tottenham. The social media episode prompted speculation that he was not happy on Merseyside.

Mail Sport reported earlier this week how Liverpool’s stance on Nunez was believed to be staunch: he is central to their plans. The club acknowledge the fine work incoming boss Arne Slot has done in refinding forwards’ confidence and believe Nunez will benefit from a new voice.

Spanish press has linked Nunez with a move to Barcelona - but when asked on this speculation, Klopp said: ‘There is what? There is no speculation. It must be external because I don't know about this.

‘There is no speculation right now, it’s just a situation we are in. Darwin was definitely not happy missing that chance. He is unlucky, let me say was, he was unlucky in so many situations where he is doing everything right but the ball still doesn’t go in.

Jurgen Klopp (right) has shot down speculation that Darwin Nunez could leave Liverpool

‘That’s really tough for a young man. He has big expectations of himself.. There is no alternative than going through it, that’s what he’s doing right now. We try to help him with all we can but you have to go through it, everyone has to go through this.

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‘That’s part of a footballer’s career. All his problem is that he is that good, he is constantly in these moments. If he was less good, he would not have chances. People just say, “That’s not great”. Because he is good, he is in these moments.

‘How many goals did he score, he is not too bad with numbers right. Eighteen goals. They are not bad numbers! Because of his quality everyone says, “Ah, again, again!”. Nobody likes it but it’s part of a career.’

Meanwhile, Klopp still faces the possibility of him missing his final game as Liverpool boss - if he gets a yellow card against Aston Villa on Monday. He has been booked twice already this season so another would see him forced to serve a touchline ban.

But he said: ‘I know that already for a long (time), when did I get the second yellow? By the way we could turn it around and say I only got two yellow cards, some of my colleagues got suspended, right? Hmm! I got calmer over the years, obviously.

‘I don’t need to (be on the touchline for the final game) but it would be cool that I could do that. It will not be from my side, I will try absolutely everything to try not get involved in any kind of discussions.’