Liverpool shocks: Omit Endo and Chiesa from Champions League squad – Ruthless strategy or tactical mistake?

When Liverpool's 25-man squad for the 2026/25 Champions League was announced, many fans had to rub their eyes. Wataru Endo – the defensive midfielder who was the 'savior' last season, stabilizing the midfield when Liverpool struggled with injuries – was omitted. Federico Chiesa – the expensive new signing from Juventus for around £10-12 million – was also left out. Instead, three injured players, including Conor Bradley, were registered. A seemingly irrational decision, but when you look closely at the data and squad structure, it reveals a cold, even ruthless logic. When numbers speak, I listen; when the crowd shouts, I count again from the start. And the first number I count is: Endo only sat on the bench in the first two Premier League matches against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, while Liverpool earned 4 points. He showed no signs of injury. So why was a pure defensive midfielder, who played 43 matches last season, excluded from Europe's most prestigious competition? The answer lies in new head coach Arne Slot's philosophy – one that favors mobility, progressive passing, and press resistance over a pure 'sweeper'. Tactical context: Liverpool under Slot is transitioning from chaotic gegenpressing to a more controlled possession system. Endo, with a high pass error rate in the final third and poor ability to escape pressure, becomes a potential weakness. Meanwhile, midfielders like Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, and Harvey Elliott all have better ball-carrying and circulation ability. The sports bubble doesn't burst with an explosion; it deflates with a sigh. And the sigh here is the admission that Endo doesn't fit the long-term vision. Core analysis: Registering three injured players – Bradley and two others (according to reports from The Athletic's James Pearce) – reveals a 'knockout-stage first' strategy. UEFA allows a maximum of 25 players, and Liverpool is betting that these players will recover in time for later stages. This is a calculated gamble: if they don't recover in time, Liverpool will lack depth in key positions. But if they return, the squad will be deeper than keeping an Endo who isn't trusted. I've watched football since the pitches still smelled of dirt, not money. And here, money isn't the issue – Liverpool is rich enough to pay Endo and Chiesa's wages without them playing Champions League. The issue is the message: Slot is signaling that no one has a guaranteed starting spot. Contrarian perspective: Could I be wrong? Possibly. If Liverpool suffers a midfield injury crisis and has to rely on youngsters like Trey Nyoni or Rio Ngumoha (who remain eligible via List B), then leaving out Endo will be heavily criticized. But data from last season shows Endo had only an 82% pass accuracy in the Champions League, significantly lower than Mac Allister (89%) and Szoboszlai (87%). In a competition where every misplaced pass can lead to a goal, Slot chose technical safety over defensive solidity. The majority has the right to be deluded, but I have the right to wake up. And the awakening here is: Liverpool is building a team for the future, not for the past. Takeaway: Verifiable prediction – If Liverpool reaches the Champions League quarterfinals, the decision to omit Endo will be praised as visionary. If they are eliminated in the group stage due to lack of midfield depth, Slot will face a wave of criticism. But regardless, one thing is certain: Wataru Endo will no longer be a Liverpool player after the winter transfer window. And Federico Chiesa? He needs to prove he's worth more than a bench role. The final question: Will Vietnamese fans, who love Endo's grit, accept a 'softer' Liverpool under Slot? Or will they demand the return of the Japanese samurai? Time will tell, but I've placed my bet on this ruthless strategy.