Chiesa seeks fresh start at Anfield
Federico Chiesa has expressed his desire for a “new chapter” at Liverpool under new head coach Andoni Iraola, following a period of limited playing time under Arne Slot. The Italy international hopes for a change in fortune as a Liverpool player.
The Liverpool forward has been linked with a return to Italy this summer, having struggled for minutes during his two years at Anfield. Despite making 36 appearances for Slot last season, only five were starts. His last start came in the FA Cup fourth-round win against Brighton on 14 February.
“It is always a fresh start at the beginning of the year,” said the 28-year-old, who scored in Liverpool’s 4-2 friendly defeat of Sunderland in Nashville on Saturday. He added, “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.”
Chiesa noted that he felt ready for a larger role last year, but acknowledged that playing time depended on the coach’s decisions. “The gaffer decided to do so, he 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,” he explained.
He confirmed that his conversations with Iraola have focused on pressing and tactics, with the coach deploying him as a striker against Sunderland. Chiesa, who typically plays as a winger, stated his willingness to play in the striker position.
Commitment to Liverpool and future aspirations
Despite links to clubs like Como and former club Juventus, Chiesa stated his priority is to prove himself to the new head coach. He has two years remaining on his Liverpool contract.
“Right now, at the moment, I am happy here at Liverpool,” said Chiesa. “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.”
Liverpool secured Champions League qualification on the final day of a challenging season in May, which was Slot’s final game in charge. Chiesa believes the club deserves more than battling for fifth place in the Premier League, describing their qualification as “lucky.”
“Liverpool deserves more. Two years ago, we were Premier League champions. Last year, we almost went out of the Champions League spots,” he commented. He emphasized the need for improvement in both the Champions League and the Premier League this season, stating the squad has the capability to achieve this.
Chiesa also hopes to regain his place in the national team, which is currently seeking a new head coach after failing to qualify for the World Cup under Gennaro Gattuso. He noted that he had spoken with Gattuso but was not physically ready at the time, and later sustained an injury in March.
“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,” Chiesa concluded.
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Source: theguardian.com
