Arne Slot admits 'difficult call' over Federico Chiesa's Liverpool Champions League snub

Chiesa, who is now in his second season at Anfield, started the campaign brightly when he came off the bench to score an 88th-minute winner against Bournemouth on the opening day. It was his first league goal for the Reds, and many expected him to play a bigger role this season after making just 14 appearances in 2024/25.

However, Slot opted to omit the 27-year-old from the Champions League list, with teenager Rio Ngumoha given a place instead. Liverpool begin their group stage on Wednesday night at home to Atletico Madrid, a side they last faced in Europe in 2021.

Slot admitted it was a painful call to make. "Of course, that is one of the most difficult things you have to do as a manager," the Dutchman said. "For a player not to play, it is not always easy to tell them, but not to be in the squad is even more difficult. I explained to him why we made this choice.

"He was not happy, but he gave me the answer you want from a player, that he will be there to help the team in the cups and in the league."

Chiesa, who has played 16 Champions League games in his career, reacted positively to the setback. He featured again as a substitute in Liverpool's 1-0 win at Burnley on Sunday and has impressed Slot with his renewed focus in training.

"I see a totally different Federico now compared to large parts of last season," Slot said. "If he is more available, then he has more chances to impact our results. But it is about him staying as fit as he is at the moment."

Chiesa had been linked with a late move away before the transfer deadline but decided to stay and fight for his place. Liverpool's decision to include Ngumoha, who joined from Chelsea last summer, underlines Slot's commitment to giving opportunities to younger players.

The Italian's challenge now will be to convince his manager that he deserves more than just a supporting role as Liverpool balance domestic ambitions with another push for European glory.