- Arne Slot unsure if new signing Federico Chiesa will debut against Manchester United, emphasizes need for gradual integration
- Liverpool manager believes Chiesa’s versatility and work ethic make him an “interesting signing” despite fitness concerns
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has indicated that new signing Federico Chiesa might have to wait for his debut with the club, despite his recent arrival ahead of Sunday’s match against Manchester United.
Chiesa, who joined Liverpool from Juventus on Thursday on a long-term deal, is Liverpool’s first major signing since last season. The 26-year-old forward adds attacking depth to the squad, but Slot is unsure if he will be ready to play in the high-stakes match at Old Trafford.
“Chiesa will train with us today, but there’s a bigger chance that he won’t be in the squad,” Slot told reporters on Friday. “If injuries happen in the next two days, we might need him, but I don’t expect him to be in. I can’t guarantee it.”
Chiesa has been recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in January 2022. In his first full season back, he made 37 appearances for Juventus, scoring 10 goals. He also had a strong showing for Italy at Euro 2024, but Slot noted that the forward might need time to adapt.
“If we sign someone who can help us achieve our goals and improve the squad, we’re excited to have brought him in,” Slot said. “One of the best things about working here is the culture of this team. They work hard to achieve their goals, and new players must have the same attitude and culture.”
Slot believes that Chiesa’s versatility, being able to play in all three attacking positions, will be valuable for Liverpool. “He works hard on and off the pitch and combines this with scoring goals,” Slot commented. “He’s aggressive without the ball, and that’s already a good characteristic. He can play on the right, left, and even in the middle, which makes him an interesting signing for us.”
Slot emphasized the need to manage Chiesa’s integration carefully, as he hasn’t played many game minutes recently. “We have a very good performance staff, so we will build him up the right way and hopefully see his quality soon.”
This upcoming match at Old Trafford will be Slot’s first against his Dutch compatriot Erik ten Hag, whose Manchester United side recently lost 2-1 to Brighton.
Slot has led Liverpool to two consecutive league victories since replacing Jurgen Klopp after moving from Feyenoord this offseason.
As the transfer window closes on Friday evening, Slot does not expect any additional signings, apart from the Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who was signed from Valencia but will not join Liverpool until next season. “I’m not expecting anything, but if we see an opportunity, we could act,” Slot added.
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