Federico Chiesa’s second year at Liverpool has already been a rollercoaster of emotions.
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The Italian winger made a strong impression by netting a crucial late winner against Bournemouth in the season opener, but his momentum was halted after being excluded from the club’s Champions League squad. ..Continue Reading
Having played only 14 matches last season, Chiesa seemed poised for a resurgence when he scored in the 88th minute to reclaim Liverpool’s lead—his first Premier League goal for the club.
He’s appeared off the bench in all four of Liverpool’s fixtures so far, yet won’t be involved in their European campaign, which kicks off against Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday.
The 27-year-old was omitted from the squad in favor of teenager Rio Ngumoha. Manager Arne Slot later addressed the decision, acknowledging Chiesa’s disappointment and noting his response in training.
Despite having 16 Champions League appearances to his name—including three with Liverpool last season—Chiesa was passed over for Ngumoha, who couldn’t be registered as a homegrown player or added to UEFA’s ‘List B’ due to his recent arrival from Chelsea.
“Of course, that is one of the most difficult things you have to do as a manager,” Slot explained.
“For a player not to play, it is not always easy to tell them but not to be in the squad is always more difficult. I just explained to him why we made this choice. Of course, he wasn’t happy with that.
“I think he understood my arguments – that is not to say he agreed with them. He didn’t tell me, by the way, that he didn’t agree with them! But he gave me the answer you want to hear from a player, that he will be there to help the team in the cups and in the league.”
Chiesa has responded to the disappointment by being determined to prove Slot wrong on the pitch.
The winger was once again involved off the bench in Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Burnley on Sunday, and his reaction to being left out of the Champions League squad has spoken volumes, with Slot praising Chiesa’s fresh outlook this term.
“I see a totally different Federico now than from large parts of last season,” Slot said after the team’s opening win over Bournemouth.
“It is completely normal because he missed out on the whole pre-season and then came into a Premier League rhythm in terms of the amount of games and in terms of intensity.
“If he is more available then he has more chances to impact our results or his playing time. But then it is about him staying as fit as he is at the moment.”
Liverpool announced their Champions League squad after transfer deadline day. Chiesa had turned down opportunities to leave Anfield before being omitted, but he has not let his disappointment affect his attitude in training.
Reflecting on Chiesa’s claim that he was determined to help the team win trophies, Slot said: “That’s one thing to say but I think he also showed this because he wasn’t selected but he worked really hard these days to be ready for the upcoming days. That is even more important than what a player tells you.”