Anfield Index
·24. November 2024
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·24. November 2024
Federico Chiesa’s Liverpool journey has taken an unexpected turn, with the Italian international addressing rumours of unrest in a subtle yet poignant manner. The 26-year-old, who joined Liverpool from Juventus this summer, has endured a challenging start to life on Merseyside. Limited opportunities on the pitch, coupled with fitness struggles, have sparked whispers of a potential return to Serie A. However, his latest social media post hints at a different narrative.
Chiesa’s lack of pre-season preparation and subsequent fitness issues have made his adaptation to English football particularly challenging. Having made his debut in a League Cup tie against West Ham nearly five months ago, Chiesa has yet to start another match. This absence has been a source of frustration for both the player and the fans, especially considering Diogo Jota’s injury, which has left Liverpool thin in attacking options.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot addressed the situation earlier this month, emphasising that while Chiesa’s fitness wasn’t a major concern, it was far from ideal. Slot stated:
“I would not use the word concern but it is far from ideal for him and us. Because with the injury of Diogo Jota we have four attackers available, so this could have been a great moment for him to get more playing time.”
The Dutchman highlighted the difficulties faced by players who miss pre-season preparations, saying:
“It is difficult for a player who missed out on pre-season and playing pre-season games and training sessions. You have to give a player more time to get to the intensity levels.”
Slot’s words underline the delicate balancing act required to bring Chiesa back to peak performance.
Photo: IMAGO
Chiesa broke his two-month silence on social media on Friday, posting a photo of himself smiling during a training session at Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre. Accompanied only by a smiling emoji, the post seemed to dismiss speculation about his unhappiness and hinted at his determination to return stronger.
This subtle gesture was warmly received by Liverpool supporters, who had been concerned by rumours originating in the Italian press. Reports from CalcioMercato suggested Chiesa could seek a return to Serie A on loan, with Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Roma reportedly interested. While some Italian outlets downplayed these claims, others speculated that the forward might force a move himself.
Despite the swirling rumours, Chiesa’s return to team training marks a crucial step in his reintegration. Fans will hope this signals the start of a resurgence for the Italian winger. As Slot mentioned:
“It is a difficult balance to get him where we want but we are trying and he is trying everything he can to get to these levels.”
With Liverpool entering a congested period of fixtures, Chiesa’s availability could provide much-needed depth in the attack. His talent and potential remain unquestionable, and his recent social media activity suggests a willingness to fight for his place in Slot’s plans.
Adjusting to a new league and overcoming fitness setbacks takes time, and Liverpool supporters have shown patience with players in similar situations before. While the rumours of a potential return to Italy persist, Chiesa’s actions seem to contradict those claims, offering hope that he is committed to succeeding at Anfield.
Federico Chiesa’s situation divides opinion among Liverpool fans, but his social media post is a welcome sign of his commitment to the club. The smiling image from training suggests a player determined to silence his critics and prove his worth.
Some supporters remain sceptical, pointing to the lack of appearances and persistent rumours linking him with a move back to Serie A. However, it’s essential to remember the circumstances surrounding his struggles. Missing pre-season is a significant setback for any player, let alone one adapting to the physical demands of the Premier League.
Arne Slot’s patient approach reflects a manager who values long-term contributions over short-term fixes. While the frustration of Chiesa’s limited impact is understandable, his talent is undeniable. If he can reach full fitness and adapt to Slot’s system, he could become a pivotal figure in Liverpool’s attack.
Fans should view Chiesa’s return to training as a positive step rather than dwelling on speculation. With time, he has the potential to repay the faith shown in him, just as many others have done after initial struggles. The season is long, and Liverpool’s supporters know better than most the value of perseverance.