Pre-season is a time for players to pick up match fitness and prove to their manager why they should be in the squad for the upcoming campaign.

However, with such a limited space on the plane, big decisions have to be made, and in this case, Arne Slot has had to be ruthless.

Liverpool block Federico Chiesa from pre-season tour as Arne Slot gets brutal	Liverpool confirms pre-season tour squad as decisions made on Chiesa, Nunez and Diaz	Liverpool latest: Chiesa left out of Reds' pre-season squad for Asia tour

One controversial choice he has made is to drop Federico Chiesa from the tour, and this is despite him playing fairly well in the two friendlies so far.

The Italian found chances hard to come by last season and it appears he might not even get any from here on out, with all Liverpool fans feeling the same way.

Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images

Chiesa was linked with a move away pretty soon after he joined really, but rumours have accelerated this summer after his lack of game time last season.

However, with interest slightly quietening down as of late and the Italian playing well against Preston and then Stoke, many thought a redemption arc might be coming.

But now, an exit looks more apparent than ever, much to the disappointment of fans, with most believing Slot has treated him unfairly.

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One fan put: “Beyond disappointed about our treatment of Federico Chiesa.

He loves the club and the fans love him.”

A third fan added: “This is a terrible decision, makes no sense why Slot hates him so much”

READ MORE: Liverpool fans have lots to say about what happened during Sunday’s secret friendly against Stoke

Another fan referenced Slot’s ruthlessness, saying: “Really thought Chiesa was going to stay… But Slot is absolutely ruthless!”

While a fifth put: “Would have really loved for Chiesa to stay.

It’s a shame.”

A sixth believes Slot was never keen on him anyway, writing: “This proves Slot never wanted him,” while another thinks he has been wasted at Liverpool, putting: “Why did he even sign for them in the first place?

What a waste of talent.”

A final fan summed it up simply by putting: “He’s definitely leaving then.”

Although this very much looks like an unofficial confirmation of his departure, if Chiesa does stay for whatever reason, he still has a lot to give.

The Italian has looked sharp so far in pre-season, and with Luis Diaz, Harvey Elliott and Darwin Nunez likely to depart this summer, he might find chances easier to come by.

Chiesa has been tried as a striker and that worked to good effect, and he is also capable of playing on either flank, showing how his versatility could be key.

Despite playing very little, Liverpool fans absolutely adore the 27-year-old and his song can regularly be heard ringing around Anfield, although they may have sung it for the very last time without realising.