Slot reveals Chiesa reaction to UCL snub
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Arne Slot has revealed Federico Chiesa’s response to being snubbed for Liverpool’s Champions League squad.
The Italy international was a notable absentee from the Premier League champions’ list ahead of their return to Europe’s elite club competition.
Teenage prospect Rio Ngumoha was included ahead of Chiesa as the Reds kick off their league phase at home to Atletico Madrid next Wednesday.
UEFA’s amendment to its squad registration rules could see the 27-year-old drafted in at a later date if Slot’s side is impacted by long-term injury or illness.
But the Liverpool head coach has praised Chiesa’s handling of the situation despite acknowledging that the forward was unhappy about the decision.
“Of course, that is one of the most difficult things you have to do as a manager,” said Slot.
“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.
“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.
“That’s not to say that he agreed with them – he didn’t tell me, by the way, that he didn’t agree with them – but he gave the answer you want to hear from a player.
“[He told me] that he will be to help the team in the cups and in the league – and that’s one thing to say.
“But I think he also showed this, because he wasn’t selected but he worked really hard to be ready for the upcoming games.
“That is even more important than what a player tells you.”