Report: Chiesa Future Talks Linked to Liverpool Champions League Setback | OneFootball

Chiesa Faces Liverpool Challenge After Champions League Snub

Federico Chiesa has been left out of Liverpool’s Champions League squad, a decision that has sent ripples through both Merseyside and Italian football. In his place, Arne Slot has turned to Rio Ngumoha, the 17-year-old winger who has emerged as one of the stories of Liverpool’s season. As reported by Gazzetta Italia.

“A kid, 11 years younger than him, has literally taken his place in the Champions League.” Those words sting, and not just for Chiesa. Ngumoha’s rise has been meteoric, from pre-season star to scoring a 100th-minute winner away at Newcastle, cementing his status as the breakout talent of the summer. His early goal record even eclipses Wayne Rooney’s for speed, which says everything about his potential.

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Slot’s Selection Sends a Message

What is striking is how recently Chiesa was considered untouchable. “And to think that the Liverpool coach had been equally clear in recent weeks in declaring Chiesa untouchable,” the report notes. Just three weeks ago, he scored against Bournemouth and was contributing meaningfully. To be dropped so suddenly was a surprise even to Chiesa himself.

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Yet his response has been measured.“The former Juventus player is aware that he can play a significant role in a club that is more than ambitious.” He has rejected approaches from Turkey and brushed aside interest from Serie A clubs, preferring to fight for his place.

Focus on the Bigger Picture

Inter and Napoli’s summer interest amounted to little more than exploratory loan ideas, and Chiesa has decided against forcing a move. With four years remaining on a contract worth €6.2 million net per season, he has security and motivation. The goal now is clear: to earn enough minutes to convince Rino Gattuso to bring him back into the Italy fold for the World Cup campaign.

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As the report reminds us, “It must be taken into account that, in fact, in the second phase the coaches can also change their chosen players.” Chiesa is aware that Champions League squads can be updated in the spring, so there is still a chance to be reinstated. His determination is rare and admirable in the modern game, where frustration often leads to instant transfers.

Competition Driving Standards

Liverpool’s summer spending was vast, with 500 million committed to a forward line featuring Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike. None of them are guaranteed a place either, and that is precisely the environment Chiesa is fighting in. The challenge is as much psychological as physical: “But it is above all a challenge to himself: the ultimate test of whether he can become a leading figure in a top-level environment.”

Photo: IMAGO

Slot’s message is clear: places must be earned. Chiesa’s response will shape not only his Liverpool future but also his standing with the Azzurri.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This is a brave but necessary call by Slot. Dropping a player of Chiesa’s pedigree for a teenager is always going to draw headlines, but Rio Ngumoha has deserved every minute of his opportunity. His goal at St James’ Park felt like the birth of a new star, and that kind of momentum is hard to ignore.

Fans will respect Chiesa’s decision to stay and fight. There is no sulking, no public outburst, just quiet determination. That is the attitude Liverpool supporters love to see. If he can respond by delivering in the Premier League and domestic cups, he can force his way back into contention for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

It also reflects the ruthless competitive spirit this new Liverpool era is built on. Nobody, not even big-name signings, are safe from rotation. The fans want players who embrace that challenge, not shy away from it. If Chiesa thrives under that pressure, it could be a turning point in his Anfield career.