What Federico Chiesa is demanding after Rio Ngumoha Champions League blow

Arne Slot’s decision to leave Federico Chiesa out of his Liverpool squad for the initial stages of the Champions League caused a certain amount of surprise.

Chiesa, 27, appeared to be on the comeback trail in the Reds’ head coach’s eyes - earning a place in the first-team squad for each of the first three games of the Premier League season and scoring a vital goal against Bournemouth.

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Following a tough first season on Merseyside for the Italy international, he looked to have finally put his injury woes behind him and showing the kind of form which convinced Richard Hughes to spend what could end up being £12.5m for him.

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But there is no doubt that being left out of the European squad was somewhat of a blow.

Ngumoha chosen for Champions League

Rio Ngumoha was chosen instead - and Chiesa will be left to reflect on the decision throughout the autumn and winter until the squad for the second phase is released.

Chiesa’s omission has been queried back in Italy - with plenty of commentators in his home country again suggesting the winger should have left over summer.

Indeed there was interest generated in Chiesa from teams in Serie A - including AC Milan, Atalanta, Napoli and Roma.

Liverpool turn down Besiktas approach

As recently as last week, Liverpool fielded enquiries from Besiktas in the Turkish Super Lig but both player and club are content with continuing their alliance for this season at least.

And now a report in the Gazzetta dello Sport has revealed just why Chiesa was determined to stick with the Premier League title winners - despite the opportunities of first-team football - not to mention European participation - elsewhere.

Liverpool experience more valuable for Chiesa

“He believes it's more valuable to compete with top players at a top club rather than risk embarrassment in the event of a return to Serie A or a move elsewhere that doesn't live up to expectations,” the report reads.

It demonstrates a good attitude on the part of Chiesa - who is contracted to the Reds until 2028.

He is determined to make a success of his time at the club and won’t throw in the towel. Let’s hope that positivity is rewarded this season - and he can rebound once again from this latest blow.

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