Inside Liverpool's dressing room after Brentford bombshell

Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa says ‘no one was speaking’ in a quiet dressing room after a bruising defeat to Brentford on Saturday – but the Italian is backing the Reds to return to their best soon.

Arne Slot’s men have lost five of their last six games but are back in action tonight when they take on Crystal Palace, a team who have already beaten them twice this season including the Community Shield, tonight in the Carabao Cup.

And Chiesa said: ‘No one was speaking. Because afterwards everyone knows. Sometimes you don't have to speak about the situation. You know what's going on. So no one spoke because I think we have to think about what we can do better.

‘Usually when we are in this situation the first thing that comes to your mind is to give more, train harder. It was good that after the game we didn't talk because it's a sign that everyone wants to change. Everyone wants to change the situation.’

Chiesa was limited to just 104 Premier League minutes last season after a £10million move from Juventus but the former Euro 2020 shining star has played a big role off the bench this term.

He has admitted he was not ready to play regularly last year and added: ‘Last year I wasn't fit enough. I wasn't mentally ready and I didn't play. I was totally OK with it (the lack of game time) because I wasn't up to speed with the other lads.

‘This year, I felt as soon as we started I felt better physically and mentally. I have played more and I still need to play more to reach the level. I was playing a lot when I won the Euros (in 2021, beating England in the final).

‘I'm a different player now. But I like where I'm going and I like the fact I have improved in many aspects of my game, apart from the fact I have lost a bit of speed.

‘At the moment I'm happy with what I'm doing. I'm not happy with what the situation is like for the team because we're not winning, but, personally, I think I'm giving a lot to the team, to the fans and I want to keep doing that in order to win in the future.

‘That's the main reason I'm doing this. Obviously, I want to stay here and I want to win for Liverpool again.’

Slot is set to make several changes with No 3 goalkeeper Freddie Woodman in line for a Reds debut. Some youngsters, like Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha, are also poised to feature with other academy stars on the bench.