Federico Chiesa Seeks Fresh Start with Liverpool Under New Management
Federico Chiesa is eager for a new chapter at Liverpool following a challenging tenure under former manager Arne Slott. The forward believes the club was fortunate to secure Champions League qualification last season and is looking forward to what lies ahead with Andoni Iraola at the helm.
Chiesa, linked with a potential return to Italy this summer, has struggled for consistent playing time during his two years at Anfield. While he appeared in 36 matches last season, his starting opportunities were limited to just five, despite the team’s offensive struggles due to injuries to key players like Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.
Last season proved frustrating for Chiesa, who made only one Premier League start, the last being on February 14 during an FA Cup win against Brighton. He views the coaching change as a beacon of hope for revitalizing his role within the squad.
“The start of the year is always a fresh start,” the 28-year-old said after showcasing his talents in a recent 4-2 friendly loss to Sunderland in Nashville. “It may have felt like a bit of a fresh start for me, but that doesn’t concern me. My focus is on doing my best for the new manager.”
Reflecting on his time under Slott, Chiesa expressed a desire for greater involvement. “Last season, I felt ready for a bigger role, but ultimately it depended on the coach’s decisions. I wanted to play more, but that’s just football. This year feels like a new chapter with a new manager, and we need to concentrate on that.”
Although he has yet to discuss his future with Iraola since the Basque coach took over in June, Chiesa mentioned tactical conversations regarding his use as a striker. Currently, he emphasizes his commitment to proving his worth to the new manager rather than considering a move back to Serie A, with club Como and his former team Juventus being speculated as potential destinations.
“Right now, I’m content at Liverpool,” he stated. “I love the club, the fans, and everything about it. I’m focusing on making the most of my chance here, and then we will see what happens. My sole focus is on Liverpool at this moment.”
Despite Liverpool’s eventual Champions League qualification, Chiesa noted that this achievement should not overshadow the team’s need for improvement after a challenging season. He remarked, “Liverpool needs more recognition. Two years ago, we were champions. Last season, we narrowly avoided missing out on a Champions League spot, finishing in a battle for fifth. We were fortunate to make it.”
Chiesa acknowledged last season’s difficulties and emphasized the importance of doing better in the upcoming Champions League campaign. “We faced PSG, and we aim to progress further in that competition while also enhancing our performance in the Premier League.”
The forward is also keen to regain his place on the national team, having been sidelined for recent selections. Italy has been on the lookout for a new coach following Gennaro Gattuso’s departure after the team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup. Chiesa shared, “I’ve spoken with coach Gattuso several times, but I wasn’t physically ready at that moment due to injury. I eagerly anticipate representing the national team again; it’s always rewarding to play and win at that level.”
