Federico Chiesa breaks silence on Champions League squad snub from Arne Slot as resurgent Liverpool winger makes big statement on his future

Chiesa, who joined the club in the summer of 2024, only made 14 first-team appearances last season, perhaps explaining why Slot felt he could exclude him from his 22-man squad for Europe's elite competition. The 27-year-old remains behind the likes of Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike in the attacking pecking order at Anfield, but he insists he is still determined to show what he can do this term.

Chiesa took Slot's decision to leave him out of the squad remarkably well, picking himself up afterwards to score a crucial goal Premier League goal against Bournemouth, while also providing both assists in Liverpool's Carabao Cup win over Southampton, and has confirmed that he did not argue. 

He said, per The Athletic: “He told me what he was thinking and 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 ‘okay — 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.”

Academy graduate Rio Ngumoha will be a part of Liverpool's Champions League squad, with the 17-year-old set to be given the chance to strut his stuff on the grandest club stage. Nevertheless, Chiesa is remaining positive, despite being the only senior player left out. 

He added: “I feel much better in terms of physical ability and I have played more this year than last year combined, so I’m happy and I have to continue on this path.

“It was really difficult (not playing last season) but I don’t think I was at the level the coach wanted me to play. 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.”

Some players may look for a transfer after being left out of a Champions League squad, but Chiesa has no plans to leave Liverpool, and insists he has to give "something back" to the fans who continue to support him. 

He said: “I hear the song the supporters sing for me since last year and I’ve been feeling that. I like the chant!

“I needed to give them something back. I’m glad that I have made some contributions in the Premier League. If you play for Liverpool, you have to be able to make a difference, but I want to keep on doing it.

“I play for a top club, maybe one of the top three in the world. It’s Liverpool and 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 has established himself as a fine squad option for Slot in recent weeks, and could well receive more minutes this weekend when the Reds face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. He has come off the bench in four of their five Premier League fixtures thus far but has yet to start.