Federico Chiesa has stated that he is not considering a transfer and has revealed that new Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola intends to use him as a striker. The 28-year-old Italian, who joined from Juventus for £10million in 2024, has started only two Premier League games for the Reds.
Chiesa's Fresh Start Under Iraola
Chiesa struggled for game time under former boss Arne Slot, who was dismissed in May after a disappointing campaign. Now, under Iraola, he is looking to make an impact in pre-season. He scored in Liverpool's 4-2 victory over Sunderland in Nashville and also helped set up another goal.
“Right now, at the moment, I am happy here at Liverpool,” Chiesa said. “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.”
New Role as Striker
Chiesa revealed that Iraola deployed him as a striker against Sunderland. “He put me striker today and he wants me there. The only conversations I've had [with Iraola] were about pressing and tactics,” the forward explained.
Reflecting on his time under Slot, Chiesa said: “Last year I felt ready for a bigger role, then it depended on the coach whether he wanted me to play or not. ... This year, let us say it is a new chapter. There is a new manager and I have to focus on that.”
Liverpool's Fifth-Place Finish
Chiesa acknowledged Liverpool's fifth-place finish last season, which secured Champions League qualification only on the final day. “Liverpool deserves more,” he said. “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.”
