Chiesa’s Premier League Tenure: An Early Exit on the Horizon

The brief and largely unnoticed chapter of Federico Chiesa’s career in the Premier League appears to be coming to an early conclusion. Less than 18 months after arriving on Merseyside with a reputation as one of Europe’s most dynamic wingers, the 28-year-old is rumored to be in negotiations for a return to Serie A.

As Liverpool continues its campaign under coach Slot, the potential departure of Chiesa has sparked discussions about his management. Maurizio Romei, the president and coach of Settignanese, where Chiesa began his footballing journey, has publicly questioned Slot’s decision not to utilize a player he believes is well-suited for English football. Despite his impressive attributes, Chiesa has made only four starts in 21 appearances across all competitions this season.

In an interview with TuttoMercatoWeb, Romei expressed his confusion regarding Chiesa’s limited involvement at Anfield. Celebrating a remarkable milestone of 6,000 matches on the touchline over a 50-year career, Romei has witnessed Chiesa’s evolution from a child to a European champion. He finds it perplexing that Slot has not given Chiesa more opportunities, especially given the player’s professionalism and tactical fit.

Romei offered a candid assessment of Chiesa’s experience in England. While acknowledging the fierce competition for a place in Liverpool’s attack—particularly from Mohamed Salah—he insisted that Chiesa’s exclusion from the lineup extends beyond mere squad rotation. He advocated that the Premier League’s open and high-intensity style should have ideally showcased Chiesa’s direct running and pace, making his role on the bench all the more puzzling.

“I anticipated he would have more opportunities, especially since English football suits him well,” Romei explained. “There is more space, and teams are generally less cautious. I watch all the Premier League matches, and I stand by this assertion. However, he hasn’t been utilized much, aside from a few minor injuries he may have faced. Nonetheless, he has performed admirably.”

Romei described the situation as a “mystery,” noting that there have been no behavioral issues or disputes behind the scenes. “The forwards at Liverpool, starting with Salah, are formidable. I genuinely struggled to understand it,” he admitted. “Chiesa has not made enemies; in fact, he received warm embraces from teammates after scoring. He consistently speaks highly of the coach, and the fans adore him. It remains an enigma.”

Reports from Italy indicate that Chiesa’s return to Turin is likely. Juventus and Liverpool are reportedly in discussions to finalize a transfer, with the Bianconeri eager to re-sign their former star to enhance the squad under Luciano Spalletti, who is keen to work with the winger.

Romei opined that while Napoli could also be a suitable destination, Juventus makes the most sense due to Chiesa’s familiarity with the club’s environment. After a challenging period abroad, returning to a place where he understands the culture and expectations could serve as a catalyst for his revival.

“If he chooses to return to Serie A, the two clubs he could consider are Juventus and Napoli, given their level and team requirements,” Romei noted. “It remains to be seen, but he might be more beneficial for Napoli than for Juventus. However, his deep understanding of the Juve environment could sway him toward a return to Turin.”

One of the key takeaways from Romei’s defense of Chiesa is the emphasis on the player’s professionalism. Despite being sidelined by Slot, Chiesa has maintained a dignified demeanor, opting not to disrupt the dressing room or criticize the manager publicly. Romei pointed to the visible affection from teammates and fans during Chiesa’s limited appearances as evidence that the issue lies more with the technical staff than with the player.

This professionalism will be a significant asset for Juventus. They are not acquiring a disruptive figure, but rather a committed professional eager to demonstrate that his struggles in England stemmed from circumstances rather than a decline in ability. Romei’s comments suggest that Chiesa has been a victim of Slot’s rigid approach, a sentiment that will offer hope to Juventus supporters that they are re-signing the explosive forward they once knew.

With the World Cup playoffs approaching, Chiesa is acutely aware that he needs regular playing time to secure his position in the national team. Currently, the Azzurri are managed by Gennaro Gattuso, who values grit and determination.

Romei believes that a transfer to Juventus is a strategic move to solidify Chiesa’s spot on the national team for the critical qualifiers. He asserted that Gattuso would be inclined to select Chiesa, provided he is playing and match-fit.

“Absolutely,” Romei confirmed when asked if the transfer was linked to the World Cup playoffs. “Even if he remains in this situation at Liverpool, I believe Gattuso would call him. Chiesa opted out previously because he felt unprepared, in my opinion. After all, the hopes for qualification were not particularly high.”