28 Sep 2025 14:33:46
Ed, I've been thinking about what Slot said about Chiesa, and something just doesn't feel right. That quote has been bugging me:
"If he didn’t do as well as he did. we would probably not look at him as if he gets more playing time. But he did so well that it normally leads to a bit more playing time. "
On the one hand, I get the whole "earn your spot" thing. That's fair enough. But does that rule apply to everyone? It seems like some of our other players can have an off day, or even a few rough games, and still get a spot in the starting eleven. They get the time to play through it and find their form.
But for Chiesa? It feels like he's on a much shorter leash. Every time he gets subbed on for 5 or 10 minutes, it's like a final audition. If he doesn't pull off something brilliant, he's just forgotten about for the next match. And even if he does play well, there are no guarantees. I mean, Slot could have brought him on earlier yesterday, for example. You can't really build up any rhythm or confidence that way.
I'm not saying Slot dislikes the guy, but it just looks like a double standard. What do you all think? Is it just me, or does it feel like Chiesa has to work twice as hard for half the opportunities?
{Ed001's Note - sometimes managers just don't like what a player offers.}
28 Sep 2025 15:58:01
Behind only Ekitite. Chiesa has been one of our best forwards this season. He should start on Tuesday night, he’s earned the right to play.