Forget Pep Guardiola—for once, the spotlight was on the Special One. After Liverpool’s thrilling showdown with Arsenal, José Mourinho couldn’t stop talking about one man: Federico Chiesa.
The Italian winger came off the bench and completely changed the game. His electric runs tore into Arsenal’s defense, his dribbling rattled Saliba and Gabriel, and his sharp movements opened dangerous spaces. In just 45 minutes, he looked like the standout performer on the pitch and shifted the momentum in Liverpool’s favor.
Mourinho, known for his blunt honesty, didn’t hold back in his assessment:
“After watching Chiesa in the second half, I can’t understand why Arne Slot benched him. If he’s not going to play him, then give him to me. A talent like that should never sit on the sidelines—he’s too decisive, too dangerous.”
The remarks sent shockwaves across football. It’s rare for Mourinho to lavish praise on a Liverpool player, let alone suggest he’s being wasted.
Liverpool fans immediately flooded social media, insisting Chiesa should be a guaranteed starter. Even Arsenal supporters admitted his introduction changed everything.
One thing is clear: Federico Chiesa has shown he is far more than a backup option—he’s a true game-changer. And when Mourinho himself calls you too good for the bench, the world listens.
Liverpool fans—do you agree with Mourinho? Should Chiesa now be an automatic starter under Arne Slot after this sensational display?
