Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa made a positive start to the season but has suffered disappointment after being left out of the club’s Champions League squad
Federico Chiesa has already experienced highs and lows during his second season at Liverpool. The Italian winger scored a decisive late goal against Bournemouth in the Reds’ opening game but has since been left out of the club’s Champions League squad.
Chiesa, who made just 14 appearances last term, looked to have turned a corner when restoring Liverpool’s lead against Bournemouth in the 88th minute, marking his first league goal for the club. He has featured as a substitute in all four of the team’s games so far, but will not play a part in Liverpool’s Champions League campaign, which begins at home to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
The 27-year-old was left out of the Reds’ squad as teenager Rio Ngumoha was selected ahead of the Italy international. Liverpool boss Arne Slot has since discussed his decision and Chiesa’s subsequent behaviour in training has been noted.
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Arne Slot explains Federico Chiesa decision
Slot admitted that Chiesa was unhappy when it was revealed he would not play an active part in European nights at Anfield. Chiesa has made 16 Champions League appearances during his career, including three games for Liverpool last season, but was overlooked in favour of young forward Ngumoha, who is not eligible for a homegrown place or a spot on ‘List B’ due to signing from Chelsea last summer.
“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.”
Federico Chiesa’s response
Chiesa has responded to his disappointment by being determined to prove Slot wrong on the pitch. The winger was once again involved off the bench in Liverpool’s narrow 1-0 win over Burnley on Sunday, and his reaction to being left out of the Champions League squad has spoken volumes, with Slot previously 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.”
Federico Chiesa’s behaviour in training
Liverpool announced their Champions League squad shortly after transfer deadline day. Chiesa had reportedly 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.”
Chiesa’s approach was notable during Liverpool’s Inside Training video last week. As he was put through a number of exercises and drills, fans were quick to praise Chiesa’s temperament in the comments.
One user wrote: “I just love Chiesa’s attitude and his work rate, of course,” while another said: “Chiesa, I’ve got a soft spot for that guy. I love his attitude.”
A third hoped Chiesa would be rewarded for his behaviour, adding: “I hope that Chiesa gets more game time than he did last season. His attitude and passion and love for being a Liverpool player is outstanding. He is a perfect example of what every club needs.”
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