Federico Chiesa’s response to Liverpool snub speaks volumes after new transfer offer

Liverpool manager Arne Slot left Federico Chiesa out of his squad for the Champions League group stages, but the Italian is determined to fight for his place at Anfield

Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa remains determined to play at the top level after turning down a fresh chance to leave this summer.

Chiesa only arrived at Anfield last year, as the sole senior signing of an almost silent first summer window for Arne Slot. The Italian struggled to make an impact in his first campaign though, playing just 14 times in all competitions.

In fact, he started just one Premier League game all season as Slot rotated the options around him to cruise to their 20th top-flight title,

It was probably expected then, that Chiesa would be linked with an exit before his second season in England got underway. And that was before a record breaking summer spree which saw more competition arrive in the attacking areas.

Slot had spoken glowingly of the Italy international however, who came off the bench to score the winner in the opening game of their Premier League defence.

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“I see a totally different Federico now than from large parts of last season,” Slot said.

“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.”

He was also used as a late substitute against Newcastle and Arsenal before the first international break of the season. However, he was given a swift reality check on his place in the Liverpool pecking order after he was left out of Slot’s squad for the Champions League group stage.

That was in favour of 17-year-old wonderkid Rio Ngumoha, whose impact off the bench was clearly deemed more impressive after his winner at Newcastle.

Slot’s decision came two days after the summer window was closed, with Chiesa already turning down the chance to return to Serie A on loan before the deadline.

But with the Turkish window still open, there was an avenue for Chiesa to get away from Anfield in what is a World Cup year. Gazzetta dello Sport have revealed that isn’t an option for him either though.

It is instead reported that Chiesa is determined to win over Slot at Liverpool and continue to compete with the game’s best players at one of the world ’s best clubs.

That determination was clear to see with Liverpool’s record signing Alexander Isaka’s first training session on Merseyside. In footage of Wednesday’s session, shared by the club, Chiesa can be seen whipping in a number of teasing crosses, for the Swedish superstar to smash home.

If he can build up a connection with Isak quickly. He could yet find himself with an important – albeit, limited role with the champions.

It would have been easy to pick up his ball and go home, but for now Chiesa appears insistent he is ready for the fight.

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