“Far From Ideal” – Journalist Reveals Liverpool’s Plans Over ‘Concerning’ £12m Forward | OneFootball

Federico Chiesa at Liverpool: Early Days or Early Concerns?

Liverpool’s acquisition of Federico Chiesa was met with much excitement, given his reputation as a dynamic winger with the ability to light up the pitch. Yet, as we near the halfway mark of the season, questions are beginning to arise about his fitness, form, and future at Anfield. Paul Gorst’s recent insights on The Redmen TV, in conversation with Paul Machin, shed light on a complex situation for both Chiesa and Liverpool manager Arne Slot.

Chiesa’s Fitness Struggles: A Lingering Issue?

One of the key points raised by Gorst was Chiesa’s prolonged absence from competitive football before his arrival at Liverpool. “He went from June to September without playing any football and Liverpool took advantage thinking they could get him back to his best,” he noted. Unfortunately, this gamble has yet to pay off, with Chiesa struggling to rediscover his peak performance.

Slot’s comments ahead of the Aston Villa game offered some reassurance but hinted at the underlying concern. “I asked Slot about it before the Aston Villa game and he said he wasn’t concerned on his availability yet, but it’s far from ideal.” This uncertainty about Chiesa’s readiness raises questions about Liverpool’s ability to rely on him as a consistent attacking option.

Lack of Impact: Is Patience Running Thin?

Three months into the season, Chiesa’s contributions have been minimal. Gorst pointed out, “We’re three months in now and we’ve seen one assist against West Ham in the Carabao Cup and that’s about it.” While it’s still early days, Liverpool fans will naturally be hoping for more from a player of Chiesa’s calibre.

The broader issue seems to be his integration into Slot’s system. Liverpool’s style of play demands not only technical brilliance but also high levels of fitness and tactical awareness—areas where Chiesa may still be catching up. “So far, that hasn’t worked out, but it is still early days,” Gorst conceded, leaving room for optimism.

Photo: IMAGO

What’s Next for Chiesa? Loan Moves and Transfer Plans

The prospect of a loan move for Chiesa was another point of discussion. Gorst expressed concern over Liverpool’s squad depth in the attacking department: “If Liverpool do let him go out on loan, then they needed a sixth forward in the summer and have lost him already, so are they going to go again in January?”

Sending Chiesa out on loan might seem logical if he needs more regular minutes to regain his sharpness. However, it would leave Liverpool thin in attacking options unless a replacement is secured during the winter window. The January market is notoriously difficult, so Slot and his team would need to act decisively.

Concerns About Communication and Transparency

An intriguing comment from Gorst highlighted a potential lack of clarity surrounding Chiesa’s situation. “My concern is that you can’t quite pick out what the actual injury is, and the big worry is when he stops getting asked about him because that’s when journalists think they’re not wasting a question on him.” This observation speaks to a broader frustration among fans and media alike. If Liverpool are unable—or unwilling—to communicate clearly about Chiesa’s condition, speculation will continue to mount.

Such uncertainty can create unnecessary pressure for both the player and the club. Clear and consistent updates from Slot could help temper expectations and provide much-needed transparency.

Conclusion: A Critical Period Ahead

Federico Chiesa’s time at Liverpool has undoubtedly been underwhelming so far, but it’s far too early to write him off. As Gorst aptly put it, “It is still early days.” With improved fitness, a more defined role under Slot, and perhaps a touch of patience from fans, Chiesa has the potential to turn his Anfield career around.

The next few months will be crucial. Whether Liverpool opt to keep him, loan him out, or dip into the January market for reinforcements, one thing is clear: the Federico Chiesa story at Liverpool is far from over.