Slots respond to media about Chiesa’s future after news that he is set to be sent back to Italy by Liverpool 123overr

123overr Liverpool manager Arne Slot insists he has no intention of sending Federico Chiesa back to Italy.

“It never crossed my mind. I think the first thing is to wait for him to get fit again and then we can see where he fits in the team,” Slot said. 123overr

“There are rumors in Italy, what I mean is that he missed pre-season and then his training was low intensity with individual training and training with the first team.”

“Coming from there and going to a league with such high intensity, with such a high intensity style of play, it’s always difficult for every player, especially when you don’t have a full pre-season.”

“We knew this before, so we know we have to be patient and give him time. It’s not been perfect so we’ll try to find a way to build him up without overworking him. It’s been tough for him so far, but I’m sure he’ll come back as a top player.”

Chiesa joined from Juventus for €10m in the summer but has only started once, in the 5-1 Carabao Cup win over West Ham United, and has been fit enough to feature on the bench in just two Premier League games.

He then picked up an injury and was not ready to return to action, with reports in Italian media suggesting he could decide to return to Serie A in the New Year. ( 123overr )