‘Slots’ Decision’: Chiesa opens up on Liverpool’s Champions League squad snub

Federico Chiesa has finally opened up on Arne’s Slot decision not to include him in Liverpool’s Champions League Group Stage squad.

The former Juventus forward will not be able to feature in the competition’s league phase after Arne Slot opted not to give him one of the 17 spot for players who are not “locally trained”.

Despite the setback, Chiesa has utilized any opportunity given to him by the coach. He continued his impressive form on Tuesday night as he set up both of Liverpool’s goals in their 2-1 win over Southampton.

Chiesa has now revealed he told Arne Slot he had “no problem” with the Liverpool head coach’s decision to omit him from the Red’s Champions League squad.

According to the Italy International, he feels better physically and mentally now than in his difficult first season at Anfield.

Federico Chiesa was impressive for Liverpool during the Carabao Cup Third Round match against Southampton. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar Via Getty Images)

Chiesa said he understood the Champions League omission despite teenager Rio Ngumoha making the list, explaining: “He told me what he was thinking, why he chose to do what he did. Of course I was sorry that I am not part of the Champions League squad, as to play in it is every player’s dream. I just said to the coach: ‘ok – no problem. I will keep working hard and I will get my chances in the Carabao Cup and the Premier League’. I am a professional player, I play for Liverpool and to do that is amazing.

“I play for a top club. This is maybe one of the top three in the world. It’s Liverpool. Of course they are going to buy top players. Of course, the competition is high. If I don’t want competition, I go to another team. But I want the competition, I want to play here and I think, at the end of the day, competition helps you to become a better player.”

Chiesa scored in the Carabao Cup final last season but he only started one league game and made just six top-flight appearances following his late arrival from Juventus.

“Yeah, it was really difficult but I don’t think I was at the level the coach wanted me to play,” he added. “But I understood his choices. This year, it is different. I feel better physically and mentally. The coach has seen this and given me more opportunities.”

Chiesa has appeared four times off the bench in the Premier League, scoring a crucial goal against Bournemouth, and made the most of his start in the Carabao Cup versus Southampton.

He set up Ekitike’s winner on Tuesday night and will be eager to get more playing time as the season gets more intense.