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Federico Chiesa has experienced ups and downs during his second season at Liverpool. He scored a crucial late goal against Bournemouth in the Reds' first match, but has since been omitted from the club's Champions League squad.
Chiesa, who only made 14 appearances last season, seemed to be making up for lost time when he restored Liverpool's lead against Bournemouth in the 88th minute on the opening day, marking his first league goal for the club. He has come off the bench in all four of the team's matches so far, but will not feature in Liverpool's Champions League campaign, which starts against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
The 27-year-old was left out of the Reds' squad as youngster Rio Ngumoha was chosen over the Italy international. Liverpool manager Arne Slot has since spoken about his decision and Chiesa's subsequent approach to training has attracted attention.
Arne Slot explains Federico Chiesa decision
Slot confessed that Chiesa was unhappy when he outlined his argument for making the winger miss out on European nights at Anfield. Chiesa has made 16 Champions League appearances during his career, including three games for Liverpool last season, but was passed over in favour of young forward Ngumoha, who is not eligible for a homegrown place or a spot on 'List B' due to arriving from Chelsea last summer.
"Of course, that is one of the most difficult things you have to do as a manager," Slot explained. "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.
"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."
Federico Chiesa's response
Chiesa has responded to his disappointment by being determined to prove Slot wrong on the pitch. The winger was once again involved off the bench in Liverpool's 1-0 win over Burnley on Sunday and his manager's comments have broken Chiesa's silence, with Slot previously praising Chiesa's outlook this term.
"I see a totally different Federico now than from large parts of last season," Slot said after the team's opening win over Bournemouth. "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.
"If he is more available then he has more chances to impact our results or his playing time. But then it is about him staying as fit as he is at the moment."
Federico Chiesa's behavior in training
Liverpool revealed their Champions League squad shortly after the transfer window closed. Chiesa was linked with a move away from the Reds before his omission, yet he has not allowed his frustration to impact his mentality in training.
Discussing Chiesa's claim that he was committed to helping the side in the league and domestic cup competitions, Slot said: "That's one thing to say but I think he also showed this because he wasn't selected but he worked really hard these days to be ready for the upcoming days. That is even more important than what a player tells you."
Chiesa's attitude was clear during Liverpool's Inside Training video last week. As he was taken through various exercises and drills, Liverpool supporters commended Chiesa's character in the comments.
One fan commented: "I just love Chiesa's attitude and his work rate, of course," while another said: "Chiesa, I've got a soft spot for that guy. I love his attitude."
A third expressed hope that Chiesa would be rewarded for his approach: "I hope that Chiesa gets more game time than he did last season. His attitude and passion and love for being a Liverpool player is outstanding. He is a perfect example of what every club needs."
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