The treatment of Federico Chiesa since his arrival in 2024 sums up why plenty of Liverpool supporters remain unhappy with Arne Slot this season.
Having joined as a fairly cheap signing following his exile at Juventus, Chiesa was never going to be a key player for Slot.
However, while other players have toiled badly, the Italian has continued to be overlooked. His game time has improved this season from last, but there remains a feeling that Chiesa should be given more opportunities.
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Is winning the FA Cup enough to keep Arne Slot in a job beyond 2025/26? If not, why? 🤔
Jordan Henderson of Liverpool lifts The Emirates FA Cup trophy after their sides victory during The FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium
Photo by Naomi Baker – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
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It appears that after 18 months of waiting, the winger’s patience has finally run out. Recent reports have claimed that Chiesa is now keen on a return to Juventus during the January transfer window.
But as rumours of his unhappiness at Liverpool continue to rumble on, Slot has spoken out to suggest that Chiesa is actually happy with his current involvement.
Federico Chiesa ‘playing more than ever’ under Arne Slot
With Liverpool short in attack and Chiesa having made 20 appearances this season, now would be a strange time for the 28-year-old to leave.
Perhaps he does deserve more meaningful minutes, but he is still an important part of the Liverpool squad and could be picked once again for Monday’s third round FA Cup tie with Barnsley.
Federico Chiesa points and laughs as he warms up ahead of Liverpool's Premier League match against Leeds United at Anfield.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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READ MORE: Liverpool fans decide whether winning the FA Cup would be enough to stop Arne Slot being sacked
Ahead of the clash at Anfield, Slot was asked point-blank whether it could be a chance for that to happen. In his answer, the Liverpool head coach revealed a private discussion he’d had with Chiesa while the transfer rumours around him heat up.
“I spoke to him two days ago and he said to me that he played more in the recent weeks than he ever did before under me,” Slot said on Thursday.
“But he is one of the players that could feature in that game, definitely. But, like I said, Hugo might be back so let’s see how we will start that game. He is one of the options that I have, so let’s see.”
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Federico Chiesa rumour Liverpool to Juventus
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
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Will Barnsley be Chiesa’s last match for Liverpool?
Judging by Slot’s comments during the rest of his pre-Barnsley press conference, it sounds as though the Dutchman is planning to field a strong Liverpool XI on Monday night.
However, with limited options going forward – and a need to protect Jeremie Frimpong following injury to Conor Bradley – it seems probable that Chiesa will still get the nod.
Given the possibility of him leaving for Italy this month, there is a chance that Monday could be Chiesa’s final appearance for Liverpool.
That does feel like a slim prospect, though, with Slot surely seeing the sense of keeping him around for the rest of the campaign at least.
For his part, it does not sound like Chiesa is itching to go either. So, putting all of this together, we would be surprised to see him exit in the coming weeks.
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