Chiesa’s Ambitions Under New Management
Federico Chiesa has expressed his desire for a fresh start at Liverpool under the management of Andoni Iraola. The forward indicated that he found his time under former manager Arne Slot frustrating, despite making a notable number of appearances. Chiesa hopes the change in head coach will bring about a change in his fortunes at the club.
During his two years at Anfield, Chiesa made 36 appearances for Slot last season. However, only five of these were starts, with just one in the Premier League. His last start came in the FA Cup fourth-round victory against Brighton on 14 February. The Italy international, who has two years remaining on his current contract, has been linked with a return to his home country, with Como and former club Juventus reportedly showing interest.
Chiesa, 28, contributed to Liverpool’s 4-2 friendly win over Sunderland in Nashville on Saturday, scoring a goal. He stated, “It is always a fresh start at the beginning of the year. Maybe there have been too many fresh starts. 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 respected Slot’s decisions regarding game plans and selections.
The forward confirmed that his discussions with Iraola have focused on tactical aspects, specifically pressing. Iraola deployed Chiesa as a striker against Sunderland, indicating a potential role for him in the new system. Chiesa emphasised his happiness at Liverpool, stating, “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.”
Reflecting on Last Season and Future Aspirations
Chiesa also reflected on Liverpool’s previous season, which he described as troubled. The club secured Champions League qualification on the final day, a result Chiesa believes was fortunate. He noted that Liverpool were battling for fifth place, which was sufficient for qualification at the time, but acknowledged that typically only the top four teams qualify. “We were lucky,” he remarked.
He believes Liverpool deserves more, recalling their status as Premier League champions two years prior. Chiesa stressed the need for improvement in the upcoming season, particularly in the Champions League, where the team was eliminated by PSG. He aims for the team to progress further in that competition and achieve better results in the Premier League.
The pre-season period is seen as an opportunity for players to adapt to Iraola’s methods. Chiesa noted the new coach’s emphasis on high intensity and one-versus-one situations across the pitch. This aligns with Chiesa’s own high-pressing work rate and tactical flexibility, making him a potentially valuable asset in Iraola’s offensive setup.
Beyond club football, Chiesa hopes to regain his place in the national team. He has missed several squads recently, attributing this to not being physically ready at certain times. He mentioned speaking with national team manager Gattuso about his situation. Chiesa sustained an injury in March, which further impacted his availability. Having previously won the European Championship with his national team, he looks forward to representing his country again.
Chiesa’s goal in Nashville showcased his clinical ability and sharpening fitness as Liverpool continues its warm-up schedule. His performance was highlighted by his sharp off-the-ball movement and a well-timed run into the penalty box, culminating in a low finish past the goalkeeper. The team will continue their US tour as preparations for the new season intensify, with their next fixture scheduled against Wrexham.
Source: theguardian.com