When the Champions League squad list dropped, Liverpool fans across the world scrolled through the names, ticking them off with excitement. Donnarumma? In. Wirtz? In. Isak? Of course. But then a pause. A double take. A shock. Federico Chiesa, Liverpool’s No.14, the Italian winger who had already scored this season and seemed ready to become a key part of Arne Slot’s new-look attack, was missing. Left out. Not injured. Nt suspended. Simply not registered.
The decision sent ripples through the fanbase and raised immediate questions. How could such a talented, experienced, and explosive player not be included? Was this a hint that Chiesa’s future at Anfield was already under doubt? Or was it simply a painful reality of UEFA’s strict squad regulations?
Slot, facing the media ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Burnley, admitted the truth plainly: it was one of the hardest calls he has had to make since becoming Liverpool manager. “Of course, that is one of the most difficult things you have to do as a manager,” he explained. “For a player not to play, that’s not always easy to tell him, but to not be in the squad is always more difficult.”
UEFA rules allow a maximum of 17 non-homegrown players in a Champions League squad. With Liverpool’s summer signings — Isak from Newcastle, Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, Jeremie Frimpong from Leverkusen as well, and Tijjani Reijnders — the competition for spots became brutal. Someone had to miss out. To the shock of many, that someone was Chiesa.
The 27-year-old has featured in all three of Liverpool’s Premier League games so far this season. He even marked the opening night at Anfield with a late goal against Bournemouth, his celebration under the lights making fans believe he was on the path to becoming a Kop favourite. But European football is ruthless in its rules. Numbers don’t bend, even for star names.
“I just explained to him why we made this choice, and of course he wasn’t happy with that, but I think he understood my arguments,” Slot said. His words carried weight. It wasn’t about talent or desire. It was a matter of regulations and balance. Liverpool already had a wealth of attacking options. Alongside Isak and Wirtz, there was Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota, Luis Díaz, and Hugo Ekitike. Something had to give.
But this wasn’t the end for Chiesa. Slot revealed that the Italian’s response was exactly what he wanted to hear from a professional. “He gave the answer you want to hear from a player – that he will help the team in the cups and in the league – and he showed this by working really hard to be ready for the upcoming games.”
This attitude may turn the disappointment into an opportunity. By not featuring in the group stage of the Champions League, Chiesa can instead focus fully on the Premier League and domestic cups. Liverpool will need rotation. Injuries and fatigue will hit. His chance to shine may not come in Naples or Madrid in the autumn, but it could arrive at Old Trafford or the Etihad before Christmas.
The winger himself has already made a decision that underlines his commitment. During the recent international break, he turned down a call-up from Italy. Instead, he stayed at Liverpool, training, working, showing Slot and his staff that he is fully invested in proving himself at Anfield. It was a bold choice, one that sent a message: he is not sulking, he is fighting.
For Liverpool, the omission also says something about their evolution. This is not a squad of 14 or 15 trusted players anymore. Slot now has depth in every department. Some big names will sit out. Competition is at its highest level in years, maybe since Jürgen Klopp’s peak seasons. The challenge for the manager will be keeping everyone motivated, even when they are not playing the biggest games.
Supporters, while initially disappointed, also understand the bigger picture. Chiesa may not be in the Champions League squad right now, but UEFA rules allow for changes when the knockout rounds begin in February. If Liverpool qualify from their group, there is every chance Chiesa will be registered then, replacing another non-homegrown player if needed. His story in Europe this season might not be over — it may just be delayed.
For now, the Italian international must channel his energy into the Premier League. Liverpool will need him in tricky away days at places like Turf Moor, where graft and spark from wide areas often make the difference. They will need him in domestic cup games, where he can prove himself with goals and assists, building a case that Slot cannot ignore when February comes around.
Slot knows the emotions involved. “To not be in the squad is always more difficult,” he admitted. But he also praised Chiesa’s professionalism. That is perhaps the most encouraging sign of all. Liverpool’s No.14 isn’t sulking. He is staying, fighting, and waiting for his moment.
In the end, being left out of the Champions League squad may not define Chiesa’s Liverpool career. It may instead ignite it.
