Federico Chiesa responds to Arne Slot sacking with clear message for Liverpool icon
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SportFootballFederico ChiesaFederico Chiesa was Liverpool's only signing during the summer transfer window in 2024, Arne Slot's first at the clubFederico Chiesa extended his best wishes to Arne Slot for the future after the Dutchman's sacking by Liverpool. Slot was the figure behind Chiesa's move to Liverpool in 2024, making the Italian his sole acquisition during the summer transfer window.Chiesa was regarded as an opportunistic purchase when Liverpool secured him from Juventus, but the deal has not worked as many would have hoped.The Italian has been named in the starting line-up for merely two Premier League fixtures during his two campaigns at the club and will almost certainly depart this summer.
During his time at Anfield he has scored five times and provided five assists.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageDespite the limited playing time he received under Slot, Chiesa posted a gracious message to his former manager, stating on his Instagram story: "Thank you gaffer for everything, good luck for your future."Liverpool are nearing an agreement with Andoni Iraola to succeed Slot ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.After the Reds' decision to dismiss Slot, it swiftly emerged that former Bournemouth manager Iraola was Liverpool's favoured choice to assume control at Anfield.Slot is reported to have been stunned by the decision, which was relayed to him just 90 minutes before Liverpool formally announced the news at approximately 12.30 p.m. on Saturday.Liverpool dispensed with Slot's services because the club believes a transformation in its playing style is required to recover from a disappointing campaign.The Reds also believe the Premier League environment has evolved in recent years, demanding a different skillset.
Many Liverpool supporters were left disheartened by the side's displays this season and by what they perceived as an overly cautious approach, with the club aiming to bring in a successor who will deploy a more attacking, proactive style.That successor appears likely to be Iraola, who departed Bournemouth upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the campaign.Liverpool hopes to have formalised Iraola's appointment before the World Cup kicks off on June 11.Iraola spent three years at Bournemouth and narrowly fell short of Champions League qualification this season - a remarkable achievement given the club's comparatively modest financial resources and the number of key players sold during his tenure.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.Choose Liverpool Echo as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCFederico ChiesaArne SlotAndoni Iraola