Liverpool fans angered by ‘personal’ decision to exclude first team star from Champions League squad
Liverpool who have made a perfect start to their Premier League campaign, announced their Champions League squad today.
Liverpool hit the headlines on transfer deadline day after executing the £125 million transfer of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.
Isak’s deal broke the record for the most expensive transfer deadline day deal and saw Liverpool break the British transfer record for the second time in this transfer window.
The Swedish international’s arrival has added a plethora of attacking talent to Arne Slot’s squad, with the Dutchman faced with a tough decision on match days.
Up front Slot will have to choose between Isak, who has scored over 20 Premier League goals in the last two seasons, and Hugo Ekitike, who has scored in three of his first four Liverpool starts.
Ekitike could feature on the left wing, but that area is where this season’s unsung hero Cody Gakpo has been playing his best football for Liverpool, while Florian Wirtz can also play there.
Slot has time to ponder over his team during the international break, but on the other side, the Reds will see their season kick into a higher gear.
Arne Slot makes a big Champions League omission
Liverpool will kick off their Champions League campaign at home to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, September 17, as the Anfield crowd will get their first look at Isak in a Liverpool shirt.
Slot has been forced to make a big call in his attacking ranks though, as Federico Chiesa will have to miss out on the Dutchman’s League Phase squad.
Due to UEFA’s registration rules, Slot was hamstrung by the amount of non-homegrown players he could announce in his squad, hence Chiesa not making the cut.
The Italian is adored on Merseyside, getting his own chant and scoring the go-ahead goal on the opening night of the Premier League season.
Fans were left disappointed by the 27-year-old’s omission from the squad, with many voicing their displeasure on social media after the announcement.
One fan said: “Federico Chiesa not in the Champions League 22 man squad. Justice for Fede,” with a crying emoji.
Another said: Chiesa not being included in the 22 man squad. I have no words. The poor lad.”
While a third added: “It has to be personal man. Chiesa has done nothing wrong. He’s turned down first team opportunities in his home country just to get treated like this man.”