Arne Slot comment a SLAP in the face for Federico Chiesa | OneFootball

Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has endured a difficult spell since signing for the club in September 2024.

The Italian international took a while to work his way up to match fitness - frequently missing out on a place in team under Arne Slot during the 2024/25 Premier League title-winning season.

But the 28-year-old stuck to his task diligently - and won his place in the matchday squad for the title defence. He has scored a couple of Premier League goals - but has been unable win over Slot to make him a starter.

Chiesa has made only one league start this season - an outing against Wolves in the Premier League. That solitary start came during Mohamed Salah’s stint at the Africa Cup of Nations - with the Egyptian King now back at the club.

Arne Slot namechecks Frimpong but not Chiesa

While he was away Slot opted to use Jeremie Frimpong more frequently at right-wing - with the Dutchman now reverting to a right-back role.

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And perhaps inadvertently the head coach played down Chiesa’s role in the squad - while previewing the weekend fixture in the Premier League against Bournemouth.

Explaining why he used Frimpong so frequently - despite his injury troubles this season - he overlooked Chiesa when listing his right-wing options without Salah in thie squad.

“One of the reasons Jeremie has played so many games is that he was he was the only player available on the right for a bit until Mo came back,” the head coach said.

Time for Chiesa to give up Anfield dream

“He is quite an intense player in that when he runs he's sprinting. We have to take good care of him to keep him available.

“He has had a big impact in the games he's played. That's why we were disappointed he was unavailable so long.

“He showed the importance of being able to take players on in Marseille.”

That is another slap in the face for Chiesa - who is currently injured after pulling out of the warm-up for the midweek win at Marseille.

With Juventus interested in bringing him back to Turin in order to get back into the reckoning for the FIFA World Cup playoffs in March.

It’s clear that Slot doesn’t rate him in his best position at right wing.