Arne Slot Reveals why Federico Chiesa was Missing From Liverpool’s Squad Against West Ham | OneFootball

Federico Chiesa’s Journey at Liverpool: An Uncertain Path

Since arriving from Juventus this August, Federico Chiesa’s journey at Liverpool has been marred by fitness challenges and intense competition within the squad. The Italian winger, renowned for his explosive speed and technical prowess, has been limited to a mere four appearances. His contribution peaked with an assist in an EFL Cup tie against West Ham on September 25, a glimmer of his potential amidst a challenging start at Anfield.

Chiesa’s integration into Liverpool’s tactical setup under Arne Slot has been notably slow. The presence of stalwarts like Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz has intensified the battle for starting positions, relegating Chiesa to the fringes of the first team. This stiff competition has left the winger struggling to carve out a consistent role within the squad, further complicating his adaptation process.

Photo: IMAGO

Fitness Concerns Take Centre Stage

The crux of Chiesa’s limited field time is his ongoing battle with fitness. After the 5-0 triumph over West Ham, Slot addressed the media, confirming Chiesa’s omission from the squad due to these issues. “We are working on match fitness and whenever we can we bring him with the team,” explained Slot. He added, “We thought it would be better for him to have some extra training sessions instead of joining us,” highlighting a strategic approach to Chiesa’s physical readiness.

The delicate balance between ensuring Chiesa is fit and integrating him into competitive play has been a persistent theme. “It’s the constant balance we have to find between him getting fitter and fitter and him joining the team,” Slot remarked, reflecting the managerial perspective on handling such a high-calibre player amidst physical setbacks.

Speculation Over Chiesa’s Future

Reports have begun to circulate about Chiesa’s potential departure, with a loan move back to Italy being considered as a viable option to regain form and regular playtime. Clubs like Napoli, Inter Milan, and Fiorentina have expressed interest, which might tempt Liverpool to loan him out, although his substantial wages pose a significant hurdle. These financial dynamics could lead Liverpool to subsidise part of his salary to facilitate a move.

Photo: IMAGO

In October, Slot addressed the rumours about parting ways with Chiesa, providing a stable stance amidst the speculative storm. With the January transfer window approaching, the narrative around Chiesa’s tenure at Liverpool remains open to various possibilities.

Slot’s Optimism for Chiesa’s Liverpool Career

Despite the hurdles, Slot remains optimistic about Chiesa’s ability to make a significant impact once he achieves full fitness. This sentiment echoes a hopeful future where Chiesa can translate his undoubted talent into tangible contributions for Liverpool. The manager’s faith could be pivotal in Chiesa’s efforts to regain his top form and justify his role at one of Europe’s elite clubs.

In conclusion, Federico Chiesa’s start at Liverpool has been anything but smooth, with fitness challenges and stiff competition limiting his opportunities. However, the club’s management, spearheaded by Arne Slot, continues to support his integration into the team’s dynamics. As the season progresses, it will be intriguing to see how Chiesa adapts and whether he can live up to the high expectations set by both his past achievements and the potential that Liverpool saw in him.