Federico Chiesa Misguided Liverpool Decision Looks Baffling After Club’s Call

Federico Chiesa made the interesting decision this summer to stay at Liverpool despite a lack of minutes on the pitch.

The creative midfielder, 27, looked set to leave Anfield earlier this year with his playing time already limited and not looking to improve any time soon.

The Reds already boasted a number of slick attacking options in the same vein as Chiesa but stars that manager Arne Slot has either signed himself or worked with regularly.

That seemed to signal that Chiesa’s days in front of the Kop were numbered. He was also left out of the club’s Asian pre-season tour, but he was give a reprieve when he was thrown on by Slot in the club’s opening day 4-2 win over Bournemouth in their Premier League fixture.

Chiesa would find the back of the net in the game to put his side 3-2 up on the night before last season’s Player of the Year, Mo Salah, would tie the knot on the bow to win the three points.

Federico Chiesa’s decision to stay at Liverpool the wrong one

It was a moment which handed the Italian international a sliver of hope where his future at Liverpool was concerned and he opted to refuse seeking a summer transfer or loan exit.

Celtic were linked with Chiesa while clubs in his homeland of Italy were also keen to borrow his services. But he decided to stay and scrap it out for a spot in the squad.

Now that seems to have been the wrong call – with the benefit of hindsight – after Slot left the playmaker out of his squad for the coming Champions League campaign.

According to reports in Italy, the reason behind Chiesa’s plan to stay on Merseyside was actually more to do with prestige than minutes on the pitch.

Chiesa remains hopeful of making the international squad under Rino Gattuso with World Cup 2026 on the horizon if they make it there.

And outlet Gazzetta.it claims that Chiesa “believes it is more valuable to compete at a bigger club than make an underwhelming move”.

We told you recently how Slot had explained Chiesa’s chances of making waves for his team this season.

The Dutch manager refused to rule out the midfield man making an impact.

Arne Slot on Chiesa chances of making Reds impact

However he did acknowledge it might be difficult given his time spent mostly on the sidelines.

Following the win over the Cherries on matchday one, Slot had his say.

“As long as he’s here, he’s definitely at Liverpool and I have no reason to believe that something is going to change,” the head coach said.

“He had a hard time last season, getting his match fitness ready.

“Unfortunately for him, he missed out on our Asia tour as well, so then you miss quite a lot – not only him, but Joe Gomez the same; we’ve also lost Conor Bradley in the end.

“Federico, when we needed him, I brought him in. At 2-2, you need a No. 9. We brought him in and he delivered.

“That’s always positive for your future at the club.”