By Martin Graham
Arne Slot has already shown a composed approach when dealing with frustrated players, proving he can navigate challenging situations inside the dressing room. The Liverpool head coach recently had to address the disappointment of Federico Chiesa, who was omitted from the club’s Champions League squad.
The 27-year-old Italian forward, a Euro 2020 winner, had expected to be involved in the competition but was left out of the squad list for the league phase. Instead, Slot handed a surprise place to 17-year-old academy prodigy Rio Ngumoha, highlighting Liverpool’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
For a player of Chiesa’s experience and reputation, the exclusion came as a shock. He had scored Liverpool’s decisive opening-day goal in their Premier League victory over Bournemouth and had featured in all of the club’s first four league matches of the season, albeit for less than 50 minutes in total.
Squad choices shaped by deadline day deals
Slot’s squad selection was also affected by Liverpool’s transfer business. If the club had managed to complete a last-minute move for Marc Guehi, Chiesa would likely have made the cut.
In that scenario, new signing Giovanni Leoni — who does not qualify for a homegrown slot — might have been dropped instead, as Slot would not have needed another defensive player. Because Guehi did not arrive, Leoni stayed in, and Chiesa missed out.
Slot praises Chiesa’s attitude
Speaking before Liverpool’s weekend trip to Burnley, Slot admitted it was a tough call. “Leaving someone out completely is harder than just not starting them,” he said.
Slot explained that Chiesa accepted his reasoning even if he did not necessarily agree with it. The winger promised to support the team in both domestic and European matches and has since trained with real intensity. According to Slot, this commitment showed that Chiesa is ready to contribute when called upon — something the manager values highly.
