Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa hopes for ‘new chapter’ under Andoni Iraola
Chiesa’s Anfield Future
Federico Chiesa, the Liverpool forward, has expressed his desire for a “new chapter” at the club under new head coach Andoni Iraola. This comes after what he described as a frustrating period under former manager Arne Slot. Chiesa has been linked with a return to Italy this summer, having found playing minutes limited during his two years at Anfield.
Despite making 36 appearances for Slot last season, only five of these were starts. He started just one Premier League game last season, even with the club facing attacking issues due to injuries to Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitiké. His last start occurred in the FA Cup fourth-round victory against Brighton on 14 February. The 28-year-old hopes that the change in head coach will bring about a change in his fortunes as a Liverpool player.
Chiesa views Iraola’s appointment as a fresh start. “It is always a fresh start at the beginning of the year,” he stated, following his goal in Liverpool’s 4-2 friendly win over Sunderland in Nashville. He acknowledged that he has experienced many such fresh starts but remains focused on performing for the new manager. He added that he felt ready for a larger role last season, but ultimately, playing time was at the coach’s discretion.
The Italy international, who has two years remaining on his Liverpool contract, has not yet discussed his future with Iraola beyond tactical conversations. Chiesa mentioned that their discussions have focused on pressing and tactics, noting that Iraola played him as a striker against Sunderland and wants him in that position. He joined Liverpool from Juventus in August 2024.
Ambitions for Club and Country
Chiesa has affirmed his happiness at Liverpool, stating his love for the club, its fans, and everything associated with it. He is committed to doing his best to secure a chance at Anfield. Despite links to Serie A clubs like his former team Juventus and Como, his priority is to prove himself to the new head coach rather than seek a move away.
The forward also reflected on Liverpool’s previous season, which saw them secure Champions League qualification on the final day. He believes that this outcome, while sufficient at the time, was not a cause for celebration for a club of Liverpool’s stature. He emphasized the need for improvement, particularly after battling for fifth place in the Premier League and being eliminated from the Champions League by PSG.
“Liverpool deserves more,” Chiesa commented. He recalled that the club were Premier League champions two seasons prior and nearly missed out on Champions League spots last season, describing their qualification as “lucky.” He stressed the importance of performing better in both the Champions League and the Premier League in the upcoming season, believing the squad has the capability to do so.
Beyond his club aspirations, Chiesa hopes to regain his place in the national team. He has not added to his 51 caps for Italy since Euro 2024. He explained that he had spoken with former national team manager Gennaro Gattuso but was not physically ready at the time. He also suffered an injury in March. With Italy now searching for a new head coach after failing to qualify for the World Cup, Chiesa looks forward to playing for his national team again, having previously won the European Championship with them.
He wants to help restore the club to competing for major trophies after the challenges of last season, which saw them finish fifth in the Premier League. Chiesa believes that the team has the squad to achieve these goals. He noted that the team has been training for two weeks under the new coach, observing Iraola’s preference for high intensity and one-on-one play across the pitch.
Chiesa’s commitment to Liverpool is evident in his focus on the present. “At the minute, the only thing I am thinking about is Liverpool,” he concluded.
Source: theguardian.com
Reuben Castle is the Sports News Writer at News GB, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with six years of reporting experience. He moved from print into digital sport news. He holds a degree in Journalism from Coventry University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Coventry, he follows the Open Championship and amateur boxing. “Accuracy first; the analysis can follow.”
