Federico Chiesa has expressed his desire for a fresh start at Liverpool under new manager Andoni Iraola, following a frustrating period under predecessor Arne Slot. The 28-year-old forward also claimed the club were fortunate to secure Champions League qualification last season.
Chiesa's Frustrating Spell Under Slot
Chiesa made 36 appearances for Liverpool last season but started only five games, despite the team's attacking struggles due to injuries to Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitiké. His last start came in the FA Cup fourth-round win against Brighton on 14 February. The Italy international has been linked with a return to Serie A, but he insists his priority is to prove himself to Iraola.
“It is always a fresh start at the beginning of the year,” Chiesa said after scoring in Liverpool's 4-2 friendly victory over Sunderland in Nashville. “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: “Last season under Arne Slot, I was trying to do my best. Last year I felt ready for a bigger role, then it depended on the coach whether he wanted me to play or not. Of course I wanted to play more but it is what it is. The gaffer had his gameplans, he took his decisions, I have nothing to say about that. It is football. This year, let us say it is a new chapter. There is a new manager and I have to focus on that.”
No Talks Yet With Iraola About Future
Chiesa admitted he has not discussed his future with Iraola since the Basque coach succeeded Slot in June. “The only conversations I had were about pressing and tactics,” he said. “He put me striker against Sunderland and he wants me there.” Despite interest from Como and former club Juventus, Chiesa remains committed to Liverpool. “Right now, at the moment, I am happy here at Liverpool. 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.”
Champions League Qualification Was 'Lucky'
Liverpool secured Champions League qualification on the final day of a troubled season in May, in what proved to be Slot's final game in charge. Chiesa insisted that was no cause for celebration at a club of Liverpool's stature. “Liverpool deserves more. Two years ago, we were Premier League champions. Last year, we almost went out of the Champions League spots. We were battling for fifth, which was enough at the time but as we know usually only four go in. We were lucky.” He added: “It was a tough season last year and this season we need to do better, in the Champions League as well. 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.”
National Team Ambitions
Chiesa also hopes to reclaim his place in the Italian national team, having missed out on recent squads. Italy are searching for a new head coach after failing to qualify for the World Cup under Gennaro Gattuso. “The situation is that I spoke to the manager a few times, Gattuso, and I was not ready physically at the time. When I got back in March, unfortunately I got injured. But I am looking forward to playing for the national team. I have won with the national team [the European Championship]. It is always nice to play and win for your national team.”
