Arne Slot makes Federico Chiesa admission after full Liverpool debut - 'It is normal'

Arne Slot couldn't hide his delight over Federico Chiesa's impact in Liverpool's Carabao Cup victory against West Ham United, following the Italian's first start since his switch from Juventus.

Chiesa, who had already featured in recent victories over AC Milan and Bournemouth, was instrumental at Anfield, providing an assist for Diogo Jota's opener in the 25th minute, which set the tone for a dominant 5-1 win, with Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo also on the scoresheet.

Reflecting on Chiesa's contribution and his progress since joining Liverpool, Slot commented: "I was pleased to see he could already play 60 minutes because - I think I said last press conference - he's hardly played any minutes in the last three or four months.

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"For him, it's important to get - apart from getting match fitness - playing minutes and that's what he got today. He assisted...although it was a shot on target that was promoted by Diogo to a goal. He worked really hard.

"I think it is normal that he's not already at the top of his ability. He has to get used to the club; his teammates; adjust to the playing style. But it was very good to see how fit he already is, so we can use him if we need him."

Chiesa will hope to get another opportunity this weekend as Liverpool travel to Wolves in the Premier League. The Italian will be hoping to make his first start in the league, although Salah will likely return to the side after coming off the bench against West Ham.

Liverpool.com says: It is going to take time for Chiesa to get properly up to speed at Liverpool considering he didn't really play any part with Juventus during the summer. Having joined the Reds toward the end of the transfer window, he's effectively a month or two behind the rest of his teammates.

The early signs though are encouraging. He played well against West Ham and produced a couple of moments that got fans up off their seats. As he builds his fitness, supporters will surely get to see more of that over the next few weeks.

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Liverpool ECHO by clicking here.