Liverpool favourite says NO after manager's 'direct contact'

One Liverpool star has said 'no' after direct contact from his international boss. It could be a massive moment for the fan favourite.

Federico Chiesa has had a bizarre Liverpool career, in all honesty. He arrived to quite a bit of hype in August 2024 but it was quickly clear that he lacked fitness after missing out on pre-season with Juventus.

It was a long process to get him fit from there and once he was, Arne Slot still didn’t use him. Just six Premier League appearances and one start - far from what everyone expected.

And so everyone expected Chiesa to leave the club in the summer. He surprised everyone, though, by deciding to remain at Anfield and fight for his place.

That’s been the situation this season, then. Chiesa has been fighting for his place and producing moments that are up there with the best in the team, quite honestly.

Yet it’s not enough. Slot hasn’t started the Italian in a single Premier League game this season and doesn’t use him for more than around 20 minutes at a time.

Federico Chiesa says no

What’s extra interesting about Chiesa’s place is that he’s doing all of this in a World Cup year. Italy would love to include him in their squad but they don’t feel they can call up a player who isn’t actually playing.

Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso has reportedly advised Chiesa to leave Liverpool for an Italian club. That’s something that would almost certainly secure him a spot at the World Cup.

However, Chiesa has apparently rejected that idea.

“There was direct contact from the coach, as it happened with other players who had been part of the team,” Italy assistant Leonardo Bonucci explained to Sky Italia.

“We monitor all the players in Italy and abroad.

"The coach had a concrete and direct contact with Federico, who said he preferred continuing on his path and that he wants to be fully fit to be available for the national team.

"He’s part of a broader group that could be called up for the playoffs, but this is something we’ll discuss at the beginning of February, hoping that all those called up will be fully fit.”

At this point, it’s showing unbelievable self belief from Chiesa to continue with Liverpool. That and stubbornness.

We’d love for him to stay and get more opportunities, especially as he’s proving himself every time he steps onto the pitch. We’re just not sure that’s going to happen under Slot - and it may well cost him his World Cup hopes.

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