Livid Liverpool fans vented their frustrations with Arne Slot following their side’s 0-0 draw against Leeds United as he continued to give one of his players limited game time. It was a disappointing New Year’s Day for the Reds at Elland Road after failing to keep their winning momentum going.
Slot started with Dutch wing-back Jeremie Frimpong on the right wing and versatile attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz on the left. While Frimpong was bright in parts, Wirtz was a letdown after finally scoring his first goal for the club against Wolves last week.
The Dutch manager waited until the 66th minute to freshen up in attack when he brought Wirtz off for Cody Gakpo. But supporters feel another winger deserves more opportunities and have criticised their boss.
Leeds 0-0 Liverpool: Federico Chiesa Deserves Better
Federico Chiesa continues to wait in the wings, or on the bench, for his chance to be handed a consistent run in Slot’s XI. The Italian must be pondering his future, still being used in a bit-part role despite Mohamed Salah’s absence due to participating at the African Cup of Nations.
The fact that Slot preferred to use Frimpong on the right of his attack speaks volumes of his lack of faith in the 28-year-old. He hasn’t started a single league game this season and only entered the fray at Elland Road with 10 minutes left on the clock.
Chiesa has endured a difficult time at Anfield since arriving from Juventus in the summer of 2024 for around £12.5 million. He has failed to earn Slot’s trust and that’s shown on nights like tonight.
A potential exit in the January transfer window is surely on his mind and Turkish giants Besiktas were interested in signing him last summer. It wouldn’t come as a surprise to see a Premier League club crying out for a new winger come in for him.
Liverpool Fans Accuse Slot of Disrespecting Chiesa
It seems a large section of the Kop has lost patience with Slot’s handling of Chiesa and feels it’s disrespectful. He came in for criticism online after the Leeds draw, with many asking why he is ignoring the Italian as a starter.
One fan hit out at Slot:
“Arne Slot’s treatment of Federico Chiesa is disgraceful. I have never seen a manage deliberately disrespect a player like this.When the time comes for Arne Slot to leave, he wouldn’t be missed.”
Another supporter alluded to Chiesa not being handed his preferred position:
“Slot plays Chiesa out of position on purpose just to justify not playing him. Shameless.”
One member of the club’s fanbase added:
“I honestly feel horrible for Federico Chiesa.Slot sets him up for failure, by giving him little to no minutes, then starting him, where he does the best he can, only to be removed from the starting team for a Right Back a gameweek later.Just ridiculous.”
Another wrote:
“Slot’s management of Chiesa has been illogical all season.”
Ngumoha
Chiesa isn’t the only Liverpool winger who fans feel deserves more game time, as they were impressed by Rio Ngumoha’s cameo appearance against Leeds. Many will be hoping to see the Dutchman tinker with his team when they travel to Cottage Road on Sunday (January 4th) to take on Fulham.
