Chiesa’s Ambitions Under New Leadership
Federico Chiesa has expressed his desire for a “new chapter” at Liverpool under new head coach Andoni Iraola, following a period of limited playing time under Arne Slot. The forward hopes for a change in his fortunes as a Liverpool player.
During the previous season, Chiesa made 36 appearances for Slot, though only five of these were starts. His last start in the Premier League was just one game, despite reported issues in Liverpool’s attack due to injuries to Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitiké. His final start came in the FA Cup fourth-round victory against Brighton on 14 February.
The 28-year-old attacker, who scored in Liverpool’s 4-2 friendly win over Sunderland in Nashville, views the start of the year as a fresh opportunity. He stated he is trying to perform his best for the new manager. He also noted that he felt ready for a more significant role last season, but acknowledged that playing time was ultimately the coach’s decision.
Chiesa confirmed that his conversations with Iraola have primarily focused on pressing and tactics. He mentioned that Iraola deployed him as a striker against Sunderland, a role he is willing to embrace despite having played primarily as a winger throughout his career. He added that the team has been training for two weeks with the new coach and understands his preference for high intensity and one-versus-one play across the pitch.
Commitment to Liverpool and Future Goals
Despite being linked with a return to Italy this summer, with clubs like Como and his former club Juventus reportedly interested, Chiesa has stated his happiness at Liverpool. He affirmed his love for the club, the fans, and everything associated with it, indicating his priority is to prove himself to the new head coach.
Chiesa has two years remaining on his Liverpool contract and is not actively seeking a move. He believes that the appointment of Iraola marks a fresh start for him at Anfield. He emphasized that his current focus is entirely on Liverpool.
The forward also reflected on Liverpool’s previous season, noting that securing Champions League qualification on the final day was not a cause for celebration given the club’s stature. He stated that Liverpool deserves more, recalling their status as Premier League champions two seasons prior. He described the previous season as challenging, with the team battling for fifth place, which he considered fortunate for Champions League qualification given that typically only four teams qualify.
Chiesa stressed the need for improvement in the upcoming season, both in the Premier League and the Champions League, where they were eliminated by PSG. He believes the squad has the capability to achieve these goals.
Beyond club football, Chiesa hopes to regain his position in the Italy national team. He has not added to his 51 caps since Euro 2024. He spoke with former national team manager Gennaro Gattuso about his physical readiness, and despite an injury in March, he looks forward to playing for his national team again, having previously won the European Championship with them.
He expressed that playing and winning for his national team is always a rewarding experience.
Source: theguardian.com
Dominic Hayes is the Sports News Writer at NewsGB, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with five years of reporting experience. He started on a north-east sports desk. He holds a degree in Journalism from Teesside University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Middlesbrough, he follows pro golf and amateur boxing. “Fast and accurate is the only standard worth keeping.”
