Federico Chiesa is a name that carries weight in world football. He is the son of a legend, the Italian winger who lit up Euro 2020, the man who tormented defenders in Serie A and became a symbol of passion, energy, and fire. When Liverpool signed him, it felt like another statement of ambition, another move to add quality and experience to a team that has been chasing greatness for years. But football is never just a straight line. It is full of twists, challenges, disappointments, and moments where pride is tested. For Chiesa, his second season at Liverpool has already shown how quickly the game can humble even the brightest stars.
He began the season with a moment of glory. Against Bournemouth, in Liverpool’s first Premier League game, the match was tied and the nerves were starting to build. It was the 88th minute, the moment where heroes step forward. Chiesa came off the bench, charged into the box, and scored the goal that gave Liverpool all three points. It was his first league goal for the club, and for him, it felt like a new beginning. Last season had been frustrating, with only 14 appearances and no real rhythm. But that goal looked like a door opening, a message to fans and his manager that he was ready to fight for a place.
And yet, only a few weeks later, the storm arrived. When Liverpool’s Champions League squad was announced, the shock was loud. Chiesa’s name was not there. A player who had played in Europe many times, who had 16 Champions League appearances in his career, was left out. Instead, young Rio Ngumoha, fresh from Chelsea and still only beginning his journey, was chosen ahead of him. The news spread fast, and whispers began. Was there a problem between Chiesa and the new boss Arne Slot? Was this punishment, a statement, or just a football decision?
Chiesa himself kept quiet at first. He trained, he played when called upon in the league, but the silence only made the speculation grow louder. Fans debated endlessly. Some argued that his omission was proof he was not in Slot’s plans long term. Others said it was just about squad rules and balance, that Ngumoha’s place was tactical, not personal. But whatever the reason, everyone knew one thing – for a player of Chiesa’s experience, to be left out of the Champions League squad was a deep disappointment.
Arne Slot eventually spoke about it. He admitted the truth – Chiesa was not happy. And why would he be? Every footballer dreams of Champions League nights, especially at Anfield where the anthem echoes and history breathes from the stands. To be told you are not even in the squad is like a dagger. Slot explained that it was one of the hardest jobs for any manager, to look a player in the eyes and say they will not play. He said Chiesa did not agree, but he accepted it. The Italian gave him the answer he wanted to hear – that he would focus on the league and the domestic cups, that he would be ready when needed, that he would not sulk.
And this is where Chiesa’s true character came out. Some players might have dropped their heads, trained half-heartedly, let the frustration eat them alive. But Chiesa chose a different path. He responded with energy, with determination, with fire. His attitude in training caught the eyes of coaches and teammates. He worked harder, ran faster, and looked sharper. In the game against Burnley, he once again came off the bench and made an impact as Liverpool held on for a 1-0 win. He wanted to show everyone – the fans, his manager, and himself – that he was not finished. That he still had a place in this team.
Slot himself acknowledged it. He said he saw a different Federico this season compared to last. Last year, Chiesa missed pre-season, struggled to adapt to the rhythm of Premier League football, and looked out of place at times. But now, even after the pain of being excluded from the Champions League squad, he looked hungry. He looked like a man with a point to prove. And sometimes, that hunger can turn into the most powerful weapon.
The story of Chiesa and Slot is not just about one decision. It is about the bigger picture of Liverpool in transition. Jurgen Klopp’s era is over, and Arne Slot is building something new. He wants to mix experience with youth, established stars with hungry prospects. That is why Ngumoha was chosen. Not because he is better than Chiesa right now, but because his development matters for the future. But for Chiesa, who is 27 and in his prime years, the future is now. He cannot wait. He wants to play, he wants to shine, he wants to write his chapter in Liverpool history.
It is a clash of timelines – the manager’s long-term vision versus the player’s immediate hunger. And yet, instead of turning it into a war, Chiesa has shown maturity. He has chosen to channel his anger into hard work. He has chosen to fight rather than complain. For Liverpool fans, this is important. They respect players who give everything, who run through walls, who wear the shirt with pride even when the road is tough. Chiesa is winning respect, not with his words, but with his actions.
Still, the question remains. What does the future hold for him at Liverpool? Being left out of the Champions League squad is no small matter. It means no European nights this season, no chance to prove himself against Europe’s best, no opportunity to shine under the lights of Anfield on a Champions League night. For a player like Chiesa, that is painful. And if the situation does not change, how long can he accept it? January is never far away, and transfer rumours will inevitably grow. Already, whispers from Italy suggest that some Serie A clubs are watching closely. Juventus, his old love, could come knocking. AC Milan and Inter are always looking for attacking reinforcements. Even in Spain, there are admirers.
But for now, Chiesa is not thinking of leaving. His focus is on fighting for his place. He knows football changes quickly. An injury, a dip in form, a tactical switch – and suddenly he could be back in the starting eleven, back in the spotlight. He has seen it before. Last season he was forgotten, but now he is already making contributions off the bench. This season is long, Liverpool are fighting on many fronts, and his chance will come.
Liverpool fans hope so too. They want to see the Chiesa who destroyed defences at Euro 2020, the winger who played with courage and flair, the man who carried Juventus on big nights. They want to see that version in a red shirt, lighting up Anfield. Maybe being left out of the Champions League squad is the spark that ignites him, the fire that pushes him to prove everyone wrong. Sometimes, rejection becomes motivation. And if Chiesa uses it in that way, Liverpool could benefit massively.
For Arne Slot, it is also a test. How he manages big personalities like Chiesa will define his reign. Leaving out a young player is one thing, but leaving out an international star is another. It takes courage, but it also takes wisdom to keep the player motivated and connected. So far, Slot has handled it well. He was honest, clear, and respectful. And Chiesa has responded in the right way. The relationship is intact, even if there is tension underneath.
The story is still being written. Liverpool’s season has only just begun, and there are months of battles ahead. The Premier League, the domestic cups, the chase for glory – all of it will demand a deep squad. Chiesa will be needed. And when that moment comes, he will be ready.
But the memory of being left out will stay with him. It will burn inside, fuel him, push him. Every sprint in training, every shot in practice, every dribble in a game – it will all carry the same silent message: I belong here. I should never have been left out. I will make you regret it.
That is the fire of Federico Chiesa right now. Disappointed, yes. Hurt, yes. But broken? No. He is still fighting. And that fight could end up being one of Liverpool’s greatest strengths this season. Because a hungry Chiesa, a motivated Chiesa, is a dangerous Chiesa. And when he finally gets his chance, he will be ready to remind the world why Liverpool signed him.
