Federico Chiesa's behaviour in training sums him up as Arne Slot admits he's not happy

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Rio Ngumoha was preferred over Federico Chiesa to be included in Arne Slot's Champions League squad for the league phase (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Federico Chiesa showed his true professionalism during training despite being omitted from Liverpool's Champions League squad.

The 27-year-old has endured a peripheral role at the Merseyside club following his summer arrival last year, managing only 17 outings since.

Regardless of his limited game time, the Italian has won over the Anfield faithful and savoured his standout moment in red during the season opener, netting the decisive goal in Liverpool's 4-2 triumph against Bournemouth.

Whilst he's appeared in every league fixture this campaign, Chiesa will miss out on the European spectacle at Anfield as an active participant after being excluded from the 23-man squad for the league phase.

It represents a crushing disappointment for a player who appeared to have found his feet from last term, with Slot choosing to include 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha instead.

With 16 Champions League outings under his belt, including three whilst at Liverpool, Chiesa would be justified in feeling hard done by, yet that hasn't prevented him from grafting to remain ready for any opportunity, according to Slot.

Ahead of their journey to Burnley on Sunday, the Liverpool manager acknowledged it was a challenging call to exclude Chiesa but praised the attacker for his mentality.

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

Arne Slot has showered praise on Federico Chiesa for his attitude(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

"For a player not to play, it is not always easy to tell them but not to be in the squad is always more difficult.

Of course, he wasn't happy with that.

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

That is even more important than what a player tells you."

Chiesa's commitment and dedication was evident during Liverpool's most recent Inside Training footage, where he was seen working intensively with medicine ball routines and pitch-based exercises.

The 27-year-old has become a fan favourite since joining Liverpool last summer(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)Article continues below

Reds supporters praised his professional approach in the comments, with one fan posting: "I just love Chiesa's attitude and his work rate, of course," whilst another commented, "Chiesa, I've got a soft spot for that guy.

I love his attitude."

Another supporter described the Italian as a "perfect example" as they wrote: "I hope that Chiesa gets more game time than he did last season.