How Arne Slot Has Again Left Door Open For Federico Chiesa at Liverpool

Federico Chiesa could have been forgiven a long time ago for thinking his Liverpool career was over.

The Italian creative midfielder has struggled for game time at Anfield since he made his £15million switch back in 2024 and he has found it frustrating.

Signed from Juventus at a time when he was considered one of European football’s most promising talents, things have not quite worked out in Merseyside for the 27-year-old.

Chiesa was bombed out of the Reds’ Asia tour in pre-season and has made only four cameo appearances for the club this season so far, playing a grand total of 47 minutes.

Chiesa did score vs Bournemouth on the opening day which shocked plenty of punters as well as manager Arne Slot who claimed he would be open to allowing the international to stay despite transfer interest in his services.

Federico Chiesa’s work ethic praised by Arne Slot

And now the Dutch manager has doubled down on that claim and revealed that his attacker’s mindset and work ethic have been key elements of his character.

Asked about Chiesa’s claim that he was determined to stay at the club and help them challenge for trophies as well as push for his own personal spot, Slot replied in an honest manner.

He said: “That’s one thing to say but I think he also showed this because he wasn’t selected but he worked really hard these days to be ready for the upcoming days.

“That is even more important than what a player tells you.”

Chiesa’s future in England has looked over more than once this year alone.

Following his snub for the aforementioned Asia tour, the former Juve and Fiorentina star was also left out of Liverpool’s Champions League squad for the League Phase set to begin for the Premier League giants tomorrow at home to Atletico Madrid.

Why Chiesa should cut losses and leave Liverpool

His decision to stay appeared baffling after some key decisions were made by Slot who, despite praising the player’s work rate, clearly does not have a long-term plan for the Italian.

If Chiesa is to have a future at Anfield, something will have to change but we suspect it is likely the playmaker will eventually be shipped out and moved on to accommodate other players.

The Reds spent big money in the summer transfer window and brought in attacking stars such as Alexander Isak after a Newcastle saga, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz.

Youngster Rio Ngumoha, at just 17 years of age, has also found himself ahead of Chiesa in the pecking order – and involved in the Champions League squad – which tells its own story.