Arne Slot’s Treatment of Federico Chiesa Sparks Growing Concern Among Liverpool Fans
Liverpool’s disappointing start to the new Premier League season has left fans frustrated, and much of that frustration is now being directed at manager Arne Slot. The Reds, who came into the campaign as defending champions, currently sit seventh in the table after losing four of their opening nine league games. Their title defense already looks shaky, and their struggles have only deepened after a painful 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Anfield, which saw them crash out of the EFL Cup.
Slot’s team selection for that match has raised eyebrows among supporters. The Dutch manager made a staggering ten changes to his starting lineup from the previous weekend’s loss to Brentford, with Milos Kerkez the only regular first-team player retained. The rest of the squad featured fringe and younger talents, including Federico Chiesa, who was handed a rare opportunity to impress. Unfortunately, the night ended in disappointment as Palace completely outplayed Liverpool, but one bright spark for the fans was Chiesa’s energetic performance — something that did not go unnoticed.
For the Italian winger, this was just his second start of the season, with his only other start coming in the previous round of the Carabao Cup against Southampton. Despite being used sparingly, Chiesa has still managed to produce two goals and three assists in just ten appearances, a record that has fans baffled as to why Slot continues to overlook him in major fixtures. Many supporters took to social media to express their disbelief, describing Chiesa as a player “bursting with hunger” and “easily one of the most creative outlets” in the team.
One passionate fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Not seen the hunger that Chiesa is showing from any of our players bar Szoboszlai in a long time.” Another commented, “Watching Chiesa and how has Slot not started him when we’ve lost 5 out of 6?” Similar sentiments were echoed across the fanbase, with messages like “Chiesa needs to start at the weekend. End of,” and “Not sure what more Chiesa can do to be starting every week.” It’s clear that many feel the winger has earned his spot through sheer determination and consistent quality in limited minutes.
Statistically, Chiesa’s contributions are difficult to ignore. Despite limited playing time, he ranks joint-third in Liverpool’s goals and assists tally, outperforming several regular starters. His pace, creativity, and ability to drive the team forward have injected life into matches where Liverpool otherwise looked flat. Many believe that his energy could be exactly what Slot’s side needs to regain confidence and attacking rhythm. The longer Slot continues to sideline him, the louder the calls for change are likely to grow.
Fans’ frustration with Slot’s decisions extends beyond Chiesa’s treatment. There’s a sense that Liverpool’s identity and balance have been lost since the summer overhaul, which saw several key players depart. The defensive organization looks shaky, and the team’s pressing — once their biggest strength — seems inconsistent. Some supporters have gone as far as to suggest that Slot’s tactical system may not suit the players he currently has. As one fan bluntly put it, “Keep Slot and Liverpool will be fighting relegation. We need a Guardiola, not a Slot.”
Even within the football media, doubts are beginning to surface about Slot’s ability to steady the ship. Many pundits acknowledge that Liverpool are in a transitional phase, but patience is wearing thin among supporters. The upcoming fixtures against Aston Villa, Real Madrid, and Manchester City are seen as make-or-break for the Dutchman. If results don’t improve soon, Liverpool’s sporting director Michael Edwards could be forced to make a tough decision regarding the manager’s future.
Once hailed as the man to continue Klopp’s legacy, Arne Slot now finds himself walking a tightrope at Anfield. His reluctance to trust proven talents like Federico Chiesa may be his undoing if Liverpool’s form doesn’t turn around quickly. For now, fans continue to hope that the Italian star will finally get the extended run in the team he deserves — before the club’s season slips even further off track.
