Manager admits to DOUBTS over Federico Chiesa

Federico Chiesa has endured a difficult start to his Liverpool career.

The 27-year-old signed from Juventus at the end of the summer transfer window and hopes were high that he would make a big impact at Anfield.

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However, the Italy international has appeared only FOUR times on the pitch so far under Arne Slot and only ONCE each in the Premier League and Champions League. The Euro 2020 winner has been a bit-part player for the Reds, leading to the expectation that he could return to Serie A on loan in January.

Chiesa’s dramatic loss of form and fitness has left him outside the international arena with head coach Luciano Spalletti finding no space for the winger in his recent squads. Furthermore, Scudetto winner and former Italian international Antonio Cassano even queried recently as to “what the f*** was happening” with Chiesa following his move to the Premier League.

Spalletti unsure about Chiesa move

That came after Arne Slot revealed that Chiesa was not yet fit enough for the rigours of English football. Now Spalletti has chimed in about the utility of Chiesa’s Premier League move.

Regarding the switch, the Azzurri coach admits he has his reservations over whether it was the right deal for Chiesa but urged the player - and all Italians - to do more to improve their physical output.

Appearing as a guest on Domenica Sportiva, the former Napoli coach first praised Chiesa, saying: "He overcomes obstacles on his own, creates advantageous situations for the team, takes the ball, looks you in the eyes, goes beyond, and creates opportunities by himself."

However, he then admitted to doubts over Chiesa’s current physical condition. “But clearly, he needs to start playing with more consistency,” he said. “Whether he would have done better staying in Italy? I don't know. But perhaps now he'll gain experience that will help him grow further.

"In my opinion, he can help any team in any league, but from a physical impact perspective, we need to make progress. Even against France, we struggled somewhat with their physical presence and intensity of play. In this aspect, we need to make steps forward."

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