Slot explains why Chiesa is not playing at Liverpool amid exit rumours | OneFootball

Liverpool boss Arne Slot insisted that ‘match fitness’ is not the only reason why Federico Chiesa is struggling to get playing time at Anfield, suggesting he also has to fight fierce competition from his teammates, notably Mohamed Salah who is an undisputed starter in the same position.

The offensive winger has made as few as four appearances across all competitions since his arrival, getting his only start back in September, which reportedly prompted him to look around in search of potential destinations where he could get more opportunities.

Federico Chiesa of Liverpool is challenged by Ryan Manning of Southampton during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary’s Stadium on December 18, 2024 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Namely, the Italy international was recently linked with a move to Napoli but Slot was adamant that the second half of the season will be ‘even more important’ for Liverpool and he wants to ‘wait and see’ if Chiesa is actually ‘able to help’ them.

Slot: let’s ‘wait and see’ if Chiesa is able to help Liverpool in second half of the season

“Like I said, every game is a chance for every player to get some playing time,” the Reds’ manager said replying to a question on Chiesa’s possibilities to feature in Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup tie against Accrington Stanley.

“It’s not only for him been difficult because of all of the things you just said – I’m not going to say all these things again – in terms of match fitness, it’s also that he has to compete with the likes of Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah.

“Everybody here knows the numbers Mo Salah brings in; there’s not many times a reason to take him out during a game or before a game.

“Also because he is so fit. I said many times before, he was the fittest player that came in in pre-season and he does everything every single day to keep his match fitness, he wants to play every game. And he shows up every single game.

Federico Chiesa and Liverpool teammates in training ahead of Premier League fixture against Southampton. (picture via www.liverpoolfc.com)

“So, it’s not only about Federico when we are talking about him being limited in his playing time, it’s also about the others.

“But in terms of Federico, it definitely has to do with the way he came in. I don’t know the English words… the rest were already training a lot and we had to bring him up in terms of match fitness.

“So, it’s a combination of reasons why he didn’t play that much yet, but let’s wait and see in the upcoming weeks and months if he’s able to help us, because the second half of the season is even more important than the first half.”

Napoli were recently said to be in advanced talks to finalise a six-month loan deal for the former Juventus midfielder, and they could be even more eager to bring him to the Stadio Diego Mardona in the case they sell Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to PSG in the winter transfer window.