Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James has come to the defense of manager Arne Slot’s controversial decision to exclude Federico Chiesa from the Reds’ Champions League squad for the League Phase, backing the Italian star to play a pivotal role in Liverpool’s Premier League title defense and domestic cup competitions. The 27-year-old forward, who has quickly become a cult hero at Anfield, was a notable omission from the 22-man squad registered for the upcoming European campaign.
Federico Chiesa.
The decision to leave out Chiesa came as a surprise to many, especially given his growing influence on the pitch. The former Juventus star, who netted the winning goal in Liverpool’s season-opening victory against AFC Bournemouth, has been a regular substitute but is starting to make significant contributions. However, with only 17 non-homegrown players permitted in the Champions League squad, Chiesa missed out, partly due to the inclusion of 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha. The young winger, who recently joined Liverpool from Chelsea and is not considered homegrown, made headlines with a match-winning performance against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Speaking to the ECHO via Esports Bets, James praised Chiesa’s unique playing style and expressed confidence in his ability to shine despite the Champions League snub. “He didn’t feature much at all last season, did he? Regularly on the bench and not featuring, he is this season, but the recruitment Liverpool have made has been superb,” James said. “He is the player that I look at and I just think, ‘I love you.’ You could put him in any era; he looks like a 1950s player, and you could imagine him running with big fat leather boots on. Today, he looks like he belongs there.”
James also supported Slot’s squad management strategy, emphasizing the need to balance multiple competitions. “I think Arne has to think about the squad with regards to the multiple competitions—not just put his best players in everything,” he explained. “With Chiesa, given he’s already had so much more gametime in the early season, part of the defense of the Premier League will have a lot of Chiesa involvement. As much as you want to be a part of a Champions League squad, if you’re a part of it and not playing, there are some who wouldn’t necessarily like that. He’s got a lot to do for Liverpool to be successful, and I think he’ll have a heavy involvement in that.”
Despite his exclusion from the Champions League squad, Chiesa has shown professionalism and commitment. He was seen training alongside Liverpool’s record-signing Alexander Isak following the team’s 1-0 victory over Burnley, where Isak was also left out of the matchday squad. Slot, addressing the decision to omit Chiesa during a pre-match press conference ahead of the Burnley clash, described it as one of the toughest choices a manager has to make. “Of course, that is one of the most difficult things you have to do as a manager,” Slot admitted. “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. I just explained to him why we made this choice. Of course, he wasn’t happy with that.”
Slot went on to praise Chiesa’s response to the decision, noting his professionalism. “I think he understood my arguments—that is not to say he agreed with them. He didn’t tell me, by the way, that he didn’t agree with them! But he gave me the answer you want to hear from a player, that he will be there to help the team in the cups and in the league.”
Chiesa’s impact at Liverpool, despite limited minutes, has endeared him to fans. His winner against Bournemouth and his work rate on the pitch have solidified his status as a fan favorite. With the Premier League and domestic cups offering ample opportunities, James and Slot both believe the European Championships hero is poised for a breakout season at Anfield.
As Liverpool continue their pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts, Chiesa’s role will be crucial. While the Champions League omission may sting, the Italian’s determination and talent suggest he is ready to prove his worth in the Premier League and beyond, cementing his place as a key figure in Arne Slot’s squad.