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Chiesa disagrees with Arne Slot’s long-ball concerns after Liverpool’s fourth straight defeat Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has dismissed manager Arne Slot’s claim that the team struggles against opponents who employ a direct, long-ball approach, insisting that the Reds possess the quality to respond to any tactical setup. The Italian international’s comments come in the aftermath of Liverpool’s fourth consecutive Premier League defeat, a 3–1 loss at Brentford, which left fans and pundits questioning the team’s defensive structure and mentality. Slot admits he has not found an answer After the weekend defeat, Slot conceded that he had “not found an answer” to combat teams using direct play, a tactic that has troubled Liverpool repeatedly this season. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher also raised concerns about the team’s physicality, suggesting the squad lacks the aerial presence needed to handle long-ball football. “Liverpool have to look at the physicality and height within their team because, right now, I don’t think they have enough,” Carragher said on Sky Sports. Pay attention: Is Livescorebet the best betting site in Nigeria? However, statistics show that Liverpool actually have the second-tallest squad in the Premier League when weighted by minutes played, behind only Newcastle United. Chiesa fires back Chiesa, speaking to The Guardian ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup fourth-round clash against Crystal Palace, rejected suggestions that Liverpool are vulnerable to such tactics. “We have players that are world-class and that can be put in any situation and will perform, so I don’t see any problem,” said the 28-year-old forward. He added, “If Crystal Palace want to play long balls and long throw-ins, they are more than welcome to do so. We’re going to answer them with high intensity and winning duels. Winning brings winning, that’s it.” The Italian’s defiant tone underlined a dressing room eager to bounce back and silence critics after a poor run of form. Slot had previously hinted that Liverpool’s early-season struggles stemmed from the challenge of integrating several new signings into the squad. But Chiesa played down that explanation, urging unity and belief. “It’s many reasons and there’s not just one thing. At the beginning of the season we were winning and no one was questioning this and that. Unfortunately it’s not a good time, but I always think positively and I hope we’re going to bounce back. “We have the quality, we have fantastic players, and a fantastic manager, so I don’t see any trouble,” he explained. Chiesa also gave a glimpse into the atmosphere after Saturday’s defeat, revealing that the Liverpool dressing room fell into silence. As Liverpool prepares to face Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup, Chiesa remains confident that the Reds can rediscover their rhythm.
