Arne Slot reveals true feelings on ‘special’ Liverpool star after brutal Champions League decision
Liverpool have confirmed their 22-player squad for the Champions League this season, with Arne Slot forced into a difficult decision.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will return to Anfield with Real Madrid, after the Spanish giants were drawn against Liverpool in the group stage.
Los Blancos are among a difficult run of Champions League fixtures for the Reds, which also includes Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan.
Liverpool signed Alexander Isak from Newcastle United on deadline day, with the striker named in the squad for the competition.
Slot hoped to call on a new central defender, but Liverpool’s move for Marc Guehi collapsed after a late decision by Crystal Palace.
Federico Chiesa left out of Champions League squad, Rio Ngumoha included
Rio Ngumoha scored a crucial match-winner for Liverpool against Newcastle at St James’ Park in his one minute of first-team action so far this season.
And the 17-year-old has been rewarded for his contribution by being named in the Champions League squad in place of Federico Chiesa, who also scored a winner, against Bournemouth in the season opener.
The Italy international spent much of last season injured and had been expected to leave Liverpool this summer, but ultimately stayed at Anfield following departures elsewhere.
Federico Chiesa neglected by Arne Slot
It took just £12.5million for Liverpool to sign Chiesa last summer, despite the winger’s previous stature in European football.
The Italy international was among the stars of the 2020 Euros, scoring in the semi-final against Spain on the journey to Euros glory for Gli Azzurri.
Legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon heralded Chiesa following the final, labelling him as ‘special’ in the 2021 European Championship.
“After a season at Juve with Federico it is no longer a surprise for me,” the Juventus icon told Gazzetta Dello Sport.
| Federico Chiesa | All competitions 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 14 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 2 |
“But it was not obvious that he would be able to play at such a high level in a tournament like the European Championship. If you do those things at such a high level, then it means that you are really special.”
In club competition in the 2020/21 season, Chiesa had netted 15 goals and provided 12 assists in all competitions, looking to be a key part of Italy’s future.
But the following seasons have seen the winger knocked down with injury after injury, managing over 30 appearances in league competition just once in the seasons following.
This season, however, appeared to give Chiesa new purpose when he scored in the final minutes against Bournemouth on the opening day.
Slot’s decision to leave him out of the squad in favour of 17-year-old Ngumoha has revealed the Dutchman’s hesitancy to place faith in the forward, however.
The teenager appears to have moved ahead in the pecking order already, in what will undoubtedly serve as a blow for Chiesa.
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