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Liverpool have been criticised over their handling of two senior players after Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo were left out of Andoni Iraola’s Champions League squad.
The decision has raised fresh questions about Liverpool’s transfer planning, with former defender Jamie Carragher suggesting that both players could struggle to make a meaningful impact under the new manager.
Chiesa and Endo remain Liverpool players and are still eligible to feature in domestic competitions. However, their omission from the Champions League squad has highlighted concerns about their positions within Iraola’s plans.
Carragher questions Liverpool’s transfer strategy
Carragher has been particularly critical of the decision to retain Endo, arguing that Liverpool should have found a solution for the midfielder during the summer transfer window.
The Japan international has seen his role reduced considerably since joining Liverpool. Although he has provided experience and defensive cover, he has not established himself as a regular starter and now appears to be well down the pecking order.
The situation is similar, although for different reasons, with Chiesa.
The Italian winger arrived from Juventus with considerable expectations but has struggled to establish himself as a regular first-team player. Injuries, competition for places and inconsistent opportunities have all contributed to his difficult spell at Anfield.
With Liverpool continuing to strengthen their squad, Chiesa faces even greater competition for attacking positions.
Why FSG are facing criticism
The criticism aimed at Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Liverpool’s owners, centres on squad management rather than the club’s willingness to spend money.
Liverpool have invested heavily in their squad during the transfer window, bringing in new attacking and midfield options. However, they have also been left with senior players who appear unlikely to play significant roles under Iraola.
That has created an uncomfortable situation.
If a player is no longer considered important to the manager’s plans, moving him on can free up wages, squad space and potentially generate a transfer fee. Keeping players who are unlikely to feature can instead leave the club carrying unnecessary costs.
This is particularly relevant in the case of Endo, who remains under contract despite his diminishing role.
Champions League omission does not mean they cannot play
It is important to distinguish between Champions League selection and overall first-team availability.
Chiesa and Endo have not been banned from playing for Liverpool. Their omission means they cannot feature in the Champions League squad, but both remain available for Premier League and domestic cup matches if Iraola chooses to select them.
That distinction could become important as the season develops.
Liverpool will need squad depth across multiple competitions, and injuries or suspensions could eventually give either player an opportunity.
However, if Iraola continues to overlook them, their futures at Anfield could become increasingly uncertain.
A problem Liverpool will have to solve
The situation ultimately represents a squad-planning challenge for Liverpool.
Spending heavily on new players is only one part of building a competitive squad. Managing departures and ensuring that unwanted or surplus players are moved on is equally important.
For Chiesa and Endo, the next few months could therefore be decisive.
If they remain outside Iraola’s preferred plans, Liverpool may have to revisit their futures when the transfer window reopens.
For now, Carragher’s criticism underlines an uncomfortable question for FSG: did Liverpool fail to complete the necessary exits after investing heavily in rebuilding the squad?
Iraola will ultimately make the final call on who plays, but Liverpool’s hierarchy will be expected to ensure that the manager has a balanced and efficient squad at his disposal.