Chiesa’s renewed commitment to Liverpool
Federico Chiesa has affirmed his commitment to Liverpool, expressing his desire to remain at the club and prove himself under new manager Andoni Iraola. This declaration comes despite recent reports linking the Italy international with a potential departure during the current transfer window. Chiesa’s stance was made clear after his performance in Liverpool’s 4-2 friendly victory against Sunderland, where he scored one of the goals.
Speaking to reporters, Chiesa stated, “At the moment, I am happy here at Liverpool. I love the club, I love the fans, and I love everything.” He further added that his focus is on securing an opportunity at Anfield, saying, “I am doing my best to get an opportunity here, and after that we will see what happens. At this moment, the only thing I am thinking about is Liverpool.”
A fresh start under Iraola
Chiesa’s previous two seasons at Liverpool, following his arrival from Juventus in 2024 on a contract until 2028, saw him make limited appearances. Under former manager Arne Slot, the 28-year-old started only one Premier League match and scored five goals across 50 appearances in all competitions. This lack of consistent playing time had previously led Chiesa to hint at a possible exit if his situation did not improve.
The arrival of Iraola, however, appears to have offered Chiesa a new lease on his Liverpool career. He views every season as a fresh start and is concentrating on his performance on the pitch. “Every start of the year is always a fresh start. Perhaps there have been too many fresh starts, but I don’t care about that. I just try to give my best for this new manager,” Chiesa explained.
His performance against Sunderland, where he came on at half-time and played in a central forward role, showcased his ability to find the back of the net. This role, distinct from his usual wide position, suggests a potential new direction for him under Iraola. Chiesa’s goal and involvement in Lewis Koumas’ late clincher, linking up with Dominik Szoboszlai, highlighted his impact.
The Italian acknowledged feeling ready for a larger role last season but respected the coaching staff’s decisions. “Last year, I felt I was ready to play a bigger role, but it depended on the manager and whether he wanted to involve me in the game or not,” he said. “Of course I wanted to play more, but that is the reality.” He views the current season as a “new chapter” with a new manager.
Potential role as Isak’s understudy
Chiesa’s display against Sunderland, particularly in a central attacking position, has led to speculation about his potential role as an understudy to Alexander Isak. With Liverpool reportedly not planning to sign a new centre-forward this summer while waiting for Hugo Ekitike to regain fitness, Chiesa could fill a crucial gap, especially given Isak’s fitness concerns.
While some supporters had previously written off Chiesa, his recent form and commitment suggest he could still become a valuable asset for Liverpool. His fitness, which was a concern in the past, appears to be less of an issue after he remained fit for most of last season and into pre-season. This potential defined role under Iraola could make Chiesa more valuable to Liverpool than a transfer for a fee in the range of £10-15 million or a loan move.
Chiesa also reflected on Liverpool’s previous season, which saw them finish fifth in the Premier League. He admitted the club was fortunate to secure Champions League qualification on the final day. He stressed the squad’s determination to improve significantly this season, both in the Premier League and the Champions League, stating, “Liverpool deserves more.”
He noted that the team has been training for two weeks with the new coach and understands Iraola’s desire for high intensity and one-versus-one play across the pitch. Chiesa’s conversations with Iraola have focused on pressing and tactical aspects, indicating his readiness to adapt to the new manager’s system.
Source: goal.com
