Arne Slot admits Liverpool star isn't happy with him after 'argument' over decision

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Federico Chiesa will not be playing in the Champions League league phase this season(Image: Getty Images)

Arne Slot admitted Federico Chiesa was not happy after being informed he was left out of Liverpool's Champions League squad.

The Italian forward, 27, has made a bright start to the season, scoring the winner in the Reds' opening-day 4-2 victory over Bournemouth last month.

While he's appeared in each of the first three Premier League games of the season, he won't be representing the league champions in Europe due to Slot's decision.



Chiesa likely would have been included in the squad if the club had clinched the deadline day signing of Marc Guehi as Giovanni Leoni - who is also not eligible to be registered on Liverpool’s list of Under-21s players - would have been left out instead.

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However, with the Dutchman needed an extra body in defence after the move for the Crystal Palace captain fell through, it was Chiesa who fell victim to Slot's verdict.

Slot discussed Chiesa's reaction to his omission ahead of their trip to Burnley on Sunday, revealing the forward, who has played 16 Champions League games in his career, was displeased he'll miss out on representing the club in Europe.

"Of course, that is one of the most difficult things you have to do as a manager," he said.

Of course, he wasn’t happy with that.

Arne Slot praised Federico Chiesa's behaviour after opting to exclude him from Liverpool's Champions League squad(Image: Getty Images)

"I think he understood my arguments - that is not to say he agreed with them.

"I see a totally different Federico now than from large parts of last season," Slot said after the victory over Bournemouth.

The Italian needs to make just four more appearances in the Premier League this season to surpass his entire tally for last season(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

"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.

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"If he is more available then he has more chances to impact our results or his playing time.

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