Arne Slot has praised Federico Chiesa for his new attitude (Credits: Imago Images)
The exclusion of Chiesa from the UEFA Champions League List A squad was previously a big point of discussion.
Due to UEFA’s homegrown players restrictions, Arne Slot already had fewer options than expected and couldn’t even register a full 25-player squad for the competition.
Rio Ngumoha made the list over Federico Chiesa as the Italian’s fitness issues were of concern for Arne Slot. Despite the exclusion, Slot mentioned that the winger had reacted respectfully to the decision.
The signing of Marc Guéhi didn’t materialise, or else Leoni would be the one excluded. The result would be Chiesa winning a spot on List A as Guéhi counts as a homegrown player.
Unfortunately for Federico, the move wasn’t meant to be. Now, the winger needs to prove his grit through other means, as Slot’s comment mentioned, the acceptance of the situation.
“I just explained to him why we made this choice. Of course, he wasn’t happy with that. I think he understood my arguments – that is not to say he agreed with them.”
“He didn’t tell me, by the way, that he didn’t agree with them! But he gave me the answer you want to hear from a player, that he will be there to help the team in the cups and in the league”, Slot told the press.
Quiz: Can you name these 10 Liverpool players from the 2000s?
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“I see a totally different Federico now” – Liverpool manager Arne Slot
To the Dutchman’s surprise, instead of being let down, Chiesa has started to display more hunger in games and training sessions.
“I see a totally different Federico now than from large parts of last season. It is completely normal because he missed out on the whole pre-season and then came into a Premier League rhythm in terms of the amount of games and in terms of intensity.”
“If he is more available, then he has more chances to impact our results or his playing time. But then it is about him staying as fit as he is at the moment.”
The Italian had an option of a future away from Liverpool, but he decided to stay and help the Merseysiders instead. This just further emphasised the winger’s dedication towards the club.
“That’s one thing to say, but I think he also showed this because he wasn’t selected, but he worked really hard these days to be ready for the upcoming days. That is even more important than what a player tells you”, Arne said.
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