Liverpool fans have been left puzzled by Federico Chiesa’s absence from the squad in recent matches. The Italian forward joined Liverpool this summer from Juventus for a bargain price of £10 million, potentially rising to £12.5 million. Despite the excitement surrounding his transfer, Chiesa has played only 78 minutes for the Reds since his arrival.
Limited Playing Time
Chiesa has seen minimal action on the pitch, with his only start coming during Liverpool’s Carabao Cup victory over West Ham last month. He has been omitted from the squad for the last four matches, including crucial Premier League fixtures and the Champions League tie against RB Leipzig.
Manager’s Insight
Liverpool’s head coach, Arne Slot, addressed the situation, clarifying that Chiesa’s absence is primarily due to him missing the entire pre-season. This lack of preparation has made it challenging for him to match the intensity of his teammates, especially as Liverpool competes in a league known for its fast-paced play.
Slot explained, “With Federico, it’s a bit more simple; although it’s more difficult, but it’s a bit more simple to explain. He missed a complete pre-season… So that makes it difficult for him to make the step towards the intensity levels the rest of the team is at.”
Challenging Transition
The transition from the Italian league to the Premier League can be demanding, and Slot emphasized that Chiesa is still working to reach the necessary intensity. “It’s difficult to say, but it’s a big disappointment for him that he is going in and out of the training sessions all the time. I feel sorry for him,” Slot added.
Chiesa’s situation is particularly disappointing for both the player and the club, as he was once regarded as one of the shining stars of Italian football. After a stellar performance that helped Italy secure the European Championship in 2021, his career faced a setback due to a cruciate ligament injury in 2022.
Looking Ahead
Despite the current challenges, Slot remains optimistic about Chiesa’s long-term potential with Liverpool. “He signed a long-term contract, so we will see what he brings for us. But at the moment, unfortunately for him, he has been one or two times in the team selection and not more than that,” Slot concluded.
As Liverpool fans await Chiesa’s return to form, the hope is that he will soon find his place in the squad and contribute to the team’s success in the ongoing season.
