Liverpool boss reveals response from Chiesa after squad decision | OneFootball

Slot Backs Chiesa Response After Champions League Squad Snub

Chiesa Omission Sparks Debate

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has opened up about the difficult decision to leave Federico Chiesa out of the club’s Champions League squad. The Italian forward was the most high-profile name missing from the 22-man List A for the league phase of the competition, with 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha included instead.

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Chiesa’s omission has inevitably intensified speculation over his long-term Liverpool future. Signed from Juventus last summer for £12.5 million, he has struggled for consistency, featuring only 14 times last season and starting just once in the league during the title-winning campaign. He did, however, score in the Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle at Wembley.

Slot Explains His Thinking

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s trip to Burnley, Slot admitted: “Of course, that is one of the most difficult things you have to do as a manager. For a player not to play, that’s not always easy to tell him, but to not be in the squad is always more difficult. I just explained to him why we made this choice, and of course he wasn’t happy with that, but I think he understood my arguments.”

Slot praised Chiesa’s reaction, highlighting his professionalism and determination: “He gave the answer you want to hear from a player. [He told me] that he will be to help the team in the cups and in the league, and that’s one thing to say, but I think he also showed this, because he wasn’t selected but he worked really hard to be ready for the upcoming games.”

Positive Signs for Squad Harmony

Chiesa has already started the new campaign brightly, scoring a late winner on the opening day against Bournemouth and appearing from the bench in victories over Newcastle and Arsenal. His work on the training ground since the Champions League announcement has impressed Slot, who sees him as an important figure in Liverpool’s domestic campaign.

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Liverpool Eyes on Burnley

Liverpool head to Burnley this weekend looking to maintain their perfect league start. Chiesa’s attitude in the face of disappointment may yet prove crucial, particularly as Slot looks to balance his squad through a congested fixture list. For a player whose Liverpool career has stuttered, this feels like a defining moment.