“He Has Failed!” – International Manager Slams Liverpool Star’s Club Performances | OneFootball

Federico Chiesa Slammed After ‘Failed’ Liverpool Move

When Liverpool secured the signature of Federico Chiesa from Juventus in August 2024 for a mere £12.5 million, expectations were sky-high. The Italian winger, whose stock peaked at €80 million post his Euro 2020 triumph, was anticipated to inject dynamism into Liverpool’s attacking line-up. His reputation as a direct, explosive player made the deal look like a coup for the Reds.

Integration Woes Under Arne Slot

However, Chiesa’s journey at Anfield hasn’t quite taken off as expected. Under the new management of Arne Slot, succeeding Jurgen Klopp in May 2024, Chiesa’s integration into the team has been notably sluggish. Initially expected to gradually blend into the squad post a missed pre-season, the forward’s situation has instead shifted towards an evident marginalization.

Chiesa’s scant playtime is illustrated by his mere 10 total appearances across all competitions, summing up to only 171 minutes. More telling is his minimal impact in the Premier League, with just three cameos totalling 25 minutes, rendering him ineligible for a Premier League medal this season—a fact underscored by the lack of trust from Slot, who has left him on the bench in 14 of Liverpool’s last 18 matches, including key games against Manchester City and Arsenal.

Photo: IMAGO

Spalletti’s Damning Verdict

The complications at Liverpool have reverberated back to Chiesa’s international prospects. Italy’s manager, Luciano Spalletti, offered a bleak assessment, saying, “Unfortunately, he has failed in England.” Spalletti’s comments to Football Italia underscore a growing impatience, emphasizing Chiesa’s need for consistency and a better defensive game. Spalletti’s frustration is palpable as he contemplates the winger’s fading role in the national squad, especially with the Nations League play-offs on the horizon.

Liverpool’s Conundrum: What Next for Chiesa?

Liverpool now faces a quandary with Chiesa. His hefty £130k/week wages pose a significant hurdle for a potential sale, but it’s increasingly clear that Chiesa’s current trajectory at Liverpool is untenable. The pressing question remains whether Slot will give him more opportunities to prove his mettle or if the Reds will look to offload him in the upcoming transfer window.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As a Liverpool supporter, watching Federico Chiesa’s struggles at Anfield has been disheartening. When Chiesa arrived, the hope was that he could emulate some of the direct attacking play we admired during Euro 2020. However, his integration into Arne Slot’s system has been notably lacking. Slot, known for his tactical nous, seems unconvinced by Chiesa’s ability to adapt to the rigorous demands of Premier League football, particularly the defensive responsibilities that come with it.

The expectation was that Chiesa would offer an attacking edge, especially in games where breaking down stubborn defences is key. Unfortunately, his minimal impact raises questions about whether he was the right fit for Slot’s strategic plans or if he was more of a panic buy in a window that saw Liverpool being unusually quiet in the market.

Looking ahead, if Chiesa’s situation doesn’t improve, it might be in both parties’ best interest to part ways. While it’s always tough to see a player of his calibre struggle, a move could reignite his career, much like it has for other talents who have faltered at big clubs only to thrive elsewhere. For Liverpool, this would be a chance to recalibrate and potentially invest in a player more aligned with Slot’s vision.