“Arne Slot ‘Angered’ by Actions of One Liverpool Player”

Arne Slot was reportedly angered by the performance of one Liverpool player last season, and that single match may have had lasting consequences for his future at Anfield.
Much discussion among Liverpool supporters has centred on Slot’s handling of former Juventus attacker Federico Chiesa. The Italian winger was the Dutchman’s first—and so far only—signing in his opening season at the club. However, one particular game appears to have seriously damaged Slot’s confidence in him.

According to Mail Sport journalist Lewis Steele, Slot was especially unhappy with Chiesa following Liverpool’s shock 1–0 FA Cup defeat to Plymouth Argyle last season.

As one of the more experienced players selected that day, Chiesa was expected to lead by example but failed to deliver, which reportedly infuriated the manager.

During a Liverpool-focused Q&A, Steele suggested that the early cup exit may have permanently affected Slot’s trust in the player. He explained that Slot seems reluctant to rely on Chiesa, noting that several people close to the club have spoken about how frustrated the manager was with the winger’s display at Plymouth.

Despite making some eye-catching substitute appearances this season, Chiesa has yet to start a Premier League or Champions League match. This has fuelled speculation that Slot either doesn’t trust him or simply isn’t a fan of the Italy international. Steele added that even if Chiesa were to score regularly off the bench, it might still not be enough to earn a starting role.

So far, Chiesa has played fewer than 400 minutes this campaign, with nearly half of those coming in two full matches in the EFL Cup before Liverpool were knocked out. Even though Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak have not been prolific in front of goal, Chiesa has still been unable to secure consistent playing time.

If he cannot break into Slot’s plans during a difficult period for the club, it seems unlikely he will ever become a regular starter under the current manager. With Liverpool also being linked to a potential January move for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, Chiesa’s outlook at Anfield appears increasingly uncertain.