Federico Chiesa‘s surprise withdrawal from the Italy squad has been explained by manager Gennaro Gattuso, while Paris Saint-Germain have requested a fixture postponement.
Gennaro Gattuso comments on Federico Chiesa’s withdrawal from Italy squad
After accepting a call-up to the Italy squad for the first time since Euro 2024, Chiesa left the camp before their first training session began on Monday.
An official statement said Chiesa was “deemed unavailable” after assessment and departed “in agreement with his club.”
Coach Gattuso has now explained Chiesa’s withdrawal further, saying (via Football Italia): “They are not all the same; the players’ heads are not the same.
“When I heard that he had problems and doubts, I had to make a decision. He didn’t feel up for it, so he decided to return home and I had to accept it.
“Relationships are important besides a game. I don’t have great medical knowledge, but I’ve understood that one can’t insist much.
“I don’t push. When one wants to return home, it’s right to let him do it.”
PSG request Ligue 1 postponement
L’Equipe report that PSG have requested their Ligue 1 match against Lens be postponed to allow extra recovery for the second leg against Liverpool.
Like Liverpool vs. Fulham, PSG’s match match against Lens is scheduled for the Saturday between their two Liverpool clashes, and a postponement would usually be granted for French teams.
However, Lens sit just one point behind Luis Enrique’s side at the top of Ligue 1 so have objected to rescheduling the game.
Their coach, Pierre Sage, said: “We fundamentally disagree.
“We played a French Cup match (in Lyon). It was scheduled for Thursday and then we had to play against Metz on Sunday.
“I understand that having rest allows you to perform better, and they proved that in their match against Chelsea.
“They are a very successful club now, competing in many competitions. I admit they’re also aware of the constraints, and for us there’s only one match left.
“We shouldn’t have to put up with this.”
A final decision on whether to postpone Lens vs. PSG will be made this Thursday.
LFC News: Jayden Danns injury update & Roggerio Nyakossi transfer link
• The Liverpool Echo‘s Paul Gorst has reported that the idea the Reds could hire an interim coach to replace Arne Slot “is simply a non-starter”
• According to Het Nieuwsblad, Liverpool are interested in Roggerio Nyakossi, a 22-year-old defender from Belgian top-flight side OH Leuven – he said it was “pleasing” to hear of the interest
• Jayden Danns is to miss the next month as a precaution due to a new hamstring injury, This Is Anfield understands – the aim of resetting for pre-season should be the 20-year-old’s target now
More from This Is Anfield
With Liverpool at risk of their season severely petering out, Sam Millne has looked at the club’s options and how we can still get something out of a wearisome campaign:
“With 10 defeats already in the league this season, the goalposts for what constitutes a successful end to the campaign have been shifted massively.
“At this point, most just want the season over and would take a top-five finish. Others still hold out hope that an unlikely cup run could salvage some joy from a seriously drab season.
“So, how is it that Liverpool can heave themselves to achieve something that at least leaves fans with some resemblance of optimism going into the summer?”
Football News: Trent’s Tuchel response & Millennium Stadium memories
• Trent Alexander-Arnold was left out of the starting lineup for Real Madrid‘s 3-2 win over Atletico because he was late to training last week (Athletic)
• The Madrid man has responded to Thomas Tuchel leaving him out of the 35-man England squad for this international break by writing on Instagram: “Madrid and nothing else”
• The 2026 Community Shield will be played at the Principality Stadium (previously the Millennium Stadium) in Cardiff – Liverpool won four of their five cup finals there while Wembley was being rebuilt!
• Kenny Dalglish has said “it would be rather silly” not to give Scotland boss Steve Clarke a new contract after the World Cup (BBC Sport) – he has guided the team to three major tournaments since taking over in 2019
Liverpool FC: On this day
Happy Birthday to Jerzy Dudek, who was born on March 23, 1973, and is turning 53 years old!
The Polish goalkeeper played 186 times for Liverpool and will forever be remembered for one supernatural performance, the 2005 Champions League final!
Dudek helped win us our fifth European Cup, thanks to a miraculous double save in extra time before saving Andriy Shevchenko’s deciding penalty, for which we will be eternally grateful.
Nice one, Jerzy.