Arne Slot Responds After Reporter Highlights Federico Chiesa’s Crucial Save for Liverpool Against Sunderland
Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa has barely featured under the inconsistent leadership of Arne Slot, who continues to favour Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah. Because of that, many supporters believe the manager still isn’t giving the Italian the recognition he deserves—especially after his dramatic last-second intervention stopped Sunderland from snatching a late winner in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw.
Despite creating plenty of chances across the 90 minutes, Liverpool now sit eighth in the Premier League after spending over £400 million in the summer. They fell behind in the 67th minute when Chemsdine Taibi’s dipping strike beat Alisson. Fourteen minutes later, they were level. Florian Wirtz looked to have scored his first Liverpool goal with a stylish finish after weaving past Reinildo and Dan Ballard, but it was later confirmed as a Nordi Mukiele own goal—news he learned during his Sky Sports interview. Sunderland later missed a golden opportunity to win it.
Chiesa’s Crucial Block Goes Largely Unacknowledged
After Wirtz’s strike—technically Mukiele’s own goal—Regis Le Bris’ side nearly found a stoppage-time winner through Wilson Isidor, their top scorer. But Chiesa, eager to impress after replacing Alexander Isak, refused to let it happen. The Italian showed real determination as he sprinted back, now running on tired legs, to block Isidor’s shot into an empty net after the forward had rounded Alisson. The crowd erupted as though Liverpool had scored themselves.
One person who didn’t show much gratitude for the moment was Slot. When asked about the 28-year-old’s heroic block—an action many fans believe might have kept him in the job—his response was noticeably lukewarm:
“Yeah, I think that’s what you want a team, or a player, to do in a situation like that. Just give everything, even when you feel you can’t do much anymore. Keep running, and that’s what he did, and that’s why he cleared it off the line.”
Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge, however, was full of praise, noting Chiesa’s desire and work rate in Sky’s post-match coverage.
Fans Hit Out at Slot’s Reaction
Chiesa has now accumulated just 143 minutes of league action, yet continues to give everything whenever he is called upon. Supporters, who have long appreciated his attitude despite his limited role, did not hold back after hearing Slot’s subdued remarks.
“This is embarrassing. Chiesa deserves so much better,” one fan posted. Another said: “This right here shows why Slot is hard to like—he could easily have given Chiesa proper praise.” A third added: “I don’t get why Slot doesn’t rate him. Klopp would’ve hugged him at full-time and talked him up in the interview.”
Others echoed the frustration:
“It’s disappointing. That moment was huge, and leaders should recognise the impact.”
“He clearly didn’t want to credit Chiesa. Odd behaviour—he seemed happier chatting to Sunderland players.”
And finally: “This just sums him up. He’s lost the fans. Honestly, I never liked him. Klopp would’ve been joking about starting Chiesa at centre-back next week. Slot just isn’t likeable.”