By Bilal Ahmed
Chiesa’s perspective on his future
Federico Chiesa, the Liverpool forward, has stated he is content at the club despite ongoing discussions about his future. The Italian international mentioned that he is focused solely on Liverpool, expressing his affection for the club, its supporters, and everything associated with it. He is committed to performing his best to secure an opportunity at Anfield.
Chiesa’s comments followed a pre-season friendly match on Saturday, where Liverpool defeated Sunderland 4-2. He scored in the match, which marked the first friendly under the new manager, Andoni Iraola. This appearance and goal come after a period where his role at the club was less prominent.
Under former manager Arne Slot, Chiesa made two Premier League starts over two seasons. These starts included a match against Brighton in May 2025, after the Reds had secured the title, and another against Wolves the following campaign on December 27. He scored five goals in 50 appearances across all competitions during his two seasons at Anfield.
In June, Chiesa had indicated that if he did not achieve consistency in the Premier League, he might need to explore other options. However, his recent statements suggest a renewed focus on his current club.
A new chapter under Iraola
The appointment of Andoni Iraola as manager in June, following Slot’s dismissal, has been described by Chiesa as a “new chapter.” He acknowledges that there have been many “fresh starts” in his career but remains determined to perform well for the new manager. Chiesa noted that his conversations with Iraola have primarily revolved around pressing and tactics, indicating a clear direction from the new coaching staff.
Chiesa joined Liverpool from Juventus in 2024. He is currently under contract until 2028. His situation at Liverpool has been affected by injuries and fitness concerns, which also led to his temporary absence from Italy’s national team. However, with Andrea Pirlo now managing the Italian national team, Chiesa has been given a new opportunity at the international level.
The forward has scored 83 domestic goals throughout his career. Pirlo has reportedly praised Chiesa’s abilities in one-on-one situations. This renewed confidence from the national team setup could benefit Liverpool, especially as the club faces a significant void in its attacking line following the departure of Mohamed Salah.
Iraola has expressed that every player will be treated like a new signing and has also indicated a willingness to give opportunities to the club’s youth ranks. He has also acknowledged the need for the club to sign additional players to strengthen the squad. Pre-season friendlies are expected to provide further insight into Iraola’s tactical approach and team selections.
Looking ahead for Liverpool
Chiesa also reflected on Liverpool’s performance last season, which saw them finish fifth in the league. He stated that the club was fortunate to secure Champions League qualification on the final day of the season, acknowledging that Liverpool deserves a higher standing. He emphasized the team’s desire to improve significantly in the upcoming season, both in the Premier League and the Champions League, after being eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain in the previous campaign.
The forward highlighted the team’s commitment during pre-season training under Iraola, noting the new manager’s preference for high-intensity play and one-on-one challenges across the pitch. This approach was evident in the recent friendly against Sunderland at GEODIS Park in Nashville.
Chiesa’s performance in the friendly, where he scored and contributed to another goal, suggests he is embracing the new tactical demands. His pass to Dominik Szoboszlai, which led to Lewis Koumas scoring the fourth goal, demonstrated his involvement in the team’s attacking plays. The Liverpool squad has been training for two weeks under the new coach, adapting to his requirements.
The upcoming season presents an opportunity for Chiesa to establish a more consistent role at Liverpool under Andoni Iraola’s management.
The club’s official premium experiences for the 26/27 Premier League season are available now.
Source: bbc.com
