Arne Slot has spoken out on the 'argument' and training behaviour of one unhappy Liverpool star after the Dutchman opted to leave him out of the Champions League squad
08:39, 16 Sep 2025Updated 08:42, 16 Sep 2025
Arne Slot
Federico Chiesa has endured a mixed start to the season and Arne Slot has addressed his issues
Federico Chiesa has had a mixed start to his second season at Liverpool. The Italian winger netted a crucial late goal against Bournemouth in the Reds' first match, but was subsequently omitted from the club's Champions League squad.
Chiesa, who only made 14 appearances last season, seemed to be finding his stride when he scored in the 88th minute to put Liverpool ahead against Bournemouth, marking his first league goal for the club. Despite featuring as a substitute in all four of the team's matches so far, he won't be involved in Liverpool's Champions League campaign, which kicks off at home against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
The 27-year-old was left out of the Reds' squad, with teenager Rio Ngumoha being chosen over the Italian international. Liverpool manager Arne Slot has since spoken about his decision and noted Chiesa's response in training.
Arne Slot explains Federico Chiesa decision
Slot confessed that Chiesa was disappointed when he found out he wouldn't be involved in European nights at Anfield. Chiesa has played in 16 Champions League matches during his career, including three games for Liverpool last season, but was omitted in favour of young forward Ngumoha, who isn't eligible for a homegrown place or a 'List B' spot due to his transfer from Chelsea last summer.
Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa
Federico Chiesa has endured a mixed start to the season(Image: Getty Images)
"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 reacted to his setback by being resolute in his determination to prove Slot wrong on the field. The winger was once more brought on as a substitute in Liverpool's slender 1-0 victory against Burnley on Sunday, and his response to being left out from the Champions League squad has been telling, with Slot having previously commended Chiesa's renewed attitude this campaign.
"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.
Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot congratulates Liverpool's Italian striker #14 Federico Chiesa after the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on August 15, 2025. Liverpool won the game 4-2. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arne Slot discussed Federico Chiesa's reaction to being left out of Liverpool's Champions League squad(Image: PAUL ELLIS, AFP via Getty Images)
"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 revealed their Champions League squad shortly after the transfer window closed. Chiesa had allegedly rejected chances to depart Anfield before being excluded, yet he hasn't allowed his frustration to impact his training commitment.
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When discussing Chiesa's assertion that he was committed to helping the side secure silverware, Slot remarked: "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 demeanour was particularly striking during Liverpool's Inside Training footage last week. As he completed various exercises and drills.