Chiesa’s aspirations under new management
Federico Chiesa, the Liverpool forward, has expressed his desire for a “new chapter” at the club under new head coach Andoni Iraola. This follows what he described as a frustrating period under former manager Arne Slot. Chiesa hopes that the change in management will lead to a change in his fortunes at Anfield, where he has struggled for playing time over the past two years.
Despite making 36 appearances last season under Slot, only five were starts. His last start came in the FA Cup fourth-round victory against Brighton on 14 February. Chiesa, who is 28 years old, views the start of the new year as a fresh opportunity to prove himself. He recently scored in Liverpool’s 4-2 friendly win against Sunderland in Nashville.
“It is always a fresh start at the beginning of the year,” Chiesa stated. “Maybe there have been too many fresh starts [for him]. But I don’t care, I am trying to do my best for this new manager.” He added that he felt ready for a larger role last season, but acknowledged that playing time depended on the coach’s decisions.
Focus on Liverpool and national team ambitions
Chiesa confirmed that he has not yet discussed his future with Iraola, with their conversations primarily focusing on pressing and tactics. He noted that Iraola deployed him as a striker against Sunderland, a role he is willing to embrace despite having played most of his career as a winger. The Italy international, who has two years remaining on his Liverpool contract, prioritises proving himself to the new head coach over seeking a return to Serie A, despite links to clubs like Como and his former team, Juventus.
“Right now, at the moment, I am happy here at Liverpool,” Chiesa affirmed. “I love the club, I love the fans, I love everything. I am doing the best I can to have a chance here. And then we will see. At the minute, the only thing I am thinking about is Liverpool.”
Chiesa also reflected on Liverpool’s previous season, which he described as troubled. The club secured Champions League qualification on the final day, which was Slot’s last game in charge. Chiesa believes that simply qualifying for the Champions League is not enough for a club of Liverpool’s stature, stating, “Liverpool deserves more.” He highlighted that two seasons ago, the team were Premier League champions, and last season they were battling for fifth place, which he considered fortunate for Champions League qualification.
“It was a tough season last year and this season we need to do better, in the Champions League as well,” Chiesa said. “We went out to PSG. We want to go further in that competition and then we want to do even better in the Premier League as well.”
Beyond his club aspirations, Chiesa hopes to regain his place in the Italian national team. He has not added to his 51 caps for Italy since Euro 2024. The national team is currently searching for a new head coach after failing to qualify for the World Cup under Gennaro Gattuso. Chiesa explained that he had conversations with Gattuso but was not physically ready at the time. He looks forward to playing for the national team again, having previously won the European Championship with them.
Chiesa joined Liverpool from Juventus in August 2024. He has accumulated 50 competitive appearances for the Reds over the last two years. He has been training with the new coach for two weeks, noting Iraola’s preference for high intensity and one-versus-one play across the pitch.
Chiesa’s focus remains on his current club, aiming to help restore Liverpool to competing for major trophies after the challenges of the previous season.
Source: theguardian.com
As NewsGB.org's Sports News Writer, Theo Marsden reports on rugby union, golf and boxing for readers across the country. He began on a regional sports desk in Yorkshire. He holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Hull and completed an NCTJ diploma. Theo lives in Hull, where he follows the European Tour and amateur rugby. “Sport moves fast; readers deserve it right the first time.”