Liverpool Ace Treated Unfairly Under Arne Slot and Should Weigh Up a January Move
Furious Liverpool supporters turned their anger on Arne Slot after the Reds were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw with Leeds United, with criticism growing over his continued reluctance to give one of his attackers regular minutes. New Year’s Day ended in disappointment at Elland Road as Liverpool failed to extend their recent winning run.
Slot opted to deploy Jeremie Frimpong on the right flank and Florian Wirtz on the left. Frimpong showed flashes of promise, but Wirtz underwhelmed, failing to build on his first Liverpool goal against Wolves the previous week.
The Liverpool boss didn’t make an attacking change until the 66th minute, replacing Wirtz with Cody Gakpo. That decision only fueled frustration among fans, many of whom believe another winger is being unfairly overlooked.
Leeds 0-0 Liverpool: Chiesa Left Waiting Again
Federico Chiesa remains stuck on the sidelines, still waiting for a sustained run in Slot’s starting XI. Despite Mohamed Salah’s absence due to the Africa Cup of Nations, the Italian continues to play a peripheral role, prompting questions about his long-term future at Anfield.
Slot’s preference for using Frimpong on the right highlighted his apparent lack of trust in the 28-year-old. Chiesa has yet to start a Premier League match this season and was introduced against Leeds with just 10 minutes remaining.
Since arriving from Juventus in the summer of 2024 for around £12.5 million, Chiesa has struggled to win over his manager — a reality that was again evident on this occasion.
With the January transfer window approaching, thoughts of a potential exit may be growing louder. Turkish side Besiktas showed interest last summer, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Premier League clubs in need of a winger came calling.
Fans Accuse Slot of Disrespecting Chiesa
A sizeable portion of the Liverpool fanbase appears increasingly frustrated with Slot’s handling of Chiesa, branding it disrespectful. Social media criticism intensified after the Leeds draw, with many questioning why the Italian continues to be overlooked.
One supporter fumed:
“Arne Slot’s treatment of Federico Chiesa is disgraceful. I’ve never seen a manager deliberately disrespect a player like this. When Slot eventually leaves, he won’t be missed.”
Another added:
“Slot plays Chiesa out of position just to justify not starting him. Shameless.”
A third fan wrote:
“I genuinely feel sorry for Federico Chiesa. Slot gives him barely any minutes, then starts him, only to drop him the next week for a right-back. It’s ridiculous.”
Another summed up the mood simply:
“Slot’s management of Chiesa has been illogical all season.”
Chiesa isn’t the only wide player supporters feel deserves more opportunities. Fans were encouraged by Rio Ngumoha’s brief cameo against Leeds and will be hoping Slot reshuffles his lineup when Liverpool travel to face Fulham at Cottage Road on Sunday, January 4.