Federico Chiesa insists he remains happy at Anfield despite a frustrating start to his Liverpool career, declaring that his sole focus is on succeeding under new manager Andoni Iraola following the dismissal of Arne Slot.
The Italian forward has found himself at the center of transfer speculation after struggling for regular minutes since arriving on Merseyside. Across two seasons with the club under Arne Slot, the 28-year-old has started one Premier League game and scored just five times in 50 appearances across all competitions, leading to questions over his long-term future.
Contract Status, Transfer Speculation, and Past Frustrations
The forward joined the club from Juventus in 2024 in a deal worth £12.5m and is contracted until 2028. During the summer, speculation intensified regarding a potential return to Italy. In June, he told La Gazzetta dello Sport: If I don't find consistency in the Premier League, I'll have to look elsewhere.
Reflecting on his limited playing time under former boss Arne Slot, the player pointed out that he felt ready for a larger role last season, but selection ultimately depended on the coach whether he wanted him to play or not. He noted that the manager had his gameplans and took his decisions.
“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.”
Federico Chiesa, via BBC Sport
A Fresh Start Under Andoni Iraola
The appointment of Andoni Iraola in June after Slot’s dismissal has ushered in a new chapter for the squad. The Basque coach takes over a team that Chiesa claimed were lucky to qualify for the Champions League last season, adding that the group must elevate their performances across all tournaments.
Speaking after scoring in the first friendly of the Andoni Iraola era on Saturday where Liverpool beat Sunderland 4-2, the forward brushed off concerns about how many managerial resets he has endured since arriving in England. He admitted it is difficult to say how a new tenure begins, noting it is always a fresh start at the beginning of the year and adding: Maybe there have been too many fresh starts. But I don't care, I am trying to do my best for this new manager. Last season under Arne Slot, I was trying to do my best too.
“Right now, at the moment, I am happy here at Liverpool. I love the club, I love the fans, I love everything.”
Federico Chiesa, via BBC Sport
Commitment to Anfield Amid Squad Ambitions
Despite admitting he has not discussed his future with Iraola since the Basque coach succeeded Slot in June, the attacker remains committed to proving himself. He emphasized that at the minute, the only thing I am thinking about is Liverpool, stating: I am doing the best I can to have a chance here – and then we will see.
The broader squad outlook remains focused on domestic and continental improvement. Pointing to the demanding nature of the previous campaign, the forward stressed that it was a tough season last year and this season we need to do better, in the Champions League as well, adding: We want to go further in that competition and then we want to do even better in the Premier League as well.
International Aspirations and Next Steps
Beyond his club commitments, the forward also hopes to reclaim his place next season in the national team, now searching for a new head coach having failed to qualify for the World Cup under Gennaro Gattuso, having missed out on several squads recently.
Addressing his recent absences from national team squads, the player explained that the situation is that I spoke to the manager a few times, Gattuso, and I was not ready physically at the time.
With pre-season fixtures underway, attention now shifts to how Iraola shapes his final squad and whether the Italian attacker secures the consistent playing time required to solidify his long-term future at Anfield.
